award winning architects

Monday, 06 February 2006 00:00

New Eco Housing Scheme In Somerset

A new eco-friendly development designed by architectural practice Stride Treglown has just been completed for South West Eco Homes Ltd. It is the first of its kind in the South West.

Great Bow Yard in Langport, Somerset is a waterside development of 12 low energy homes which has achieved an Ecohomes rating and includes a range of green features. Two-thirds of the development has already been sold.

The 8 townhouses and 4 apartments have been designed to have low running costs due to very high levels of insulation, much of which is made from recycled newspaper. Owners will be able to flush toilets using rainwater collected from their roofs and have hot water heated by solar panels.

Speaking of the contemporary design, Kevin Steer of Stride Treglown says "This project has been really challenging as we had to ensure that Great Bow Yard was profitable and sustainable. The houses needed to appeal to the wider market, and also meet the environmental objectives set. The real issue was to set an example for other developments, to create a community that could enjoy a practical and sustainable environment."

Details:

  • Two prototype terraces: one thermally massive passive solar designed, the other lightweight timber frame
  • Designed to have low running costs. The buildings exceed thermal efficiency required by current building regulations with some parts of the building envelope incorporating 350mm depth of insulation. Approximately half the insulation used is made from recycled newspaper (celluose).
  • Integral sunspaces on the south elevation act as buffer spaces or temperature moderators
  • A swale collects surface water from the road areas and rainwater from the roofs is collected in a storage tank above the porches and used to flush toilets
  • Solar panels incorporated on the south facade provide hot water
  • Reclaimed bricks from a recently demolished house in local Bridgwater were used. Lime mortar will ensure that they can be used again at the end of the building's life
  • FSC / PEFC timber throughout. Cedar boarding which forms the main cladding material is sourced from Wales.
  • Wildlife has been protected on site with the creation of new setts for resident badgers

For more information, images and project sheet please view our project page.

Great Bow Yard