Best Practice
Since the Code for Sustainable Homes was introduced in May 2008, twenty-two schemes have received certificates of any level. Three thousand schemes have been registered at Design Stage but not assessed. Here are several schemes that are considered best practice.
Hanham Hall
Development: Hanham Hall, South Gloucestershire
Developer: Barratt Homes
Architect: HTA Architects
Code Level: Projected 6
Hanham Hall is the first volume solution for reaching Level 6 of the Code. The 188-unit scheme follows an energy strategy designed to reduce demand with very high levels of insulation and airtightness, a Biomass – air turbine Combined Heat & Power system and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery System in each home. Social innovations include a Sustainable Living Centre and Orangerie.
Read more about Hanham Hall Eco-Village ›
The Kingspan Lighthouse
Development: The Kingspan Lighthouse, Watford, Hertfordshire
Developer: Kingspan Off-site
Architect: Sheppard Robson
Code Level: Projected 6
The Lighthouse is a one-off exemplar project, currently exhibited at the Building Research Establishment Innovation Park. The two bedroom, two and a half storey house, with a floor area of 100m², uses high performance structural insulated panels and wind-catching ventilation, and has a signature 40 degree pitched roof to house photovoltaics.
Read more about Kingspan Lighthouse ›
Mid Street, South Nutfield
Development: Mid Street, South Nutfield, Surrey
Developer: Osborne Homes
Architect: Harrington Design + Bloomfield
Code Level: 5
These two, two-bedroom flats in a single building were the first Code Level 5 homes in England. The development has no "show-stopping" or "wacky" design features. Airtightess and an energy efficient fabric are central to its success. The scheme was in part funded by the developer's own carbon-offsetting scheme. A wireless broadband link relays information on heating output, water consumption and electricity generated by photovoltaics to the Energy Savings Trust.
Windmill View
Development: Windmill View, Illingworth, West Yorkshire
Developer: Bramall Construction (a division of Keepmoat plc)
Architect: Acanthus WSM Architects
Code Level: 4
Nos 32 & 33 Tewitt Close, Windmill View were the first homes to be certified against the Code. They form part of a new 84-home estate – all classic, stone-fronted properties. Full marks were achieved in three of the Code categories – Surface water run-off, Waste and Management. The two homes also scored well in the Water and Ecology categories.
