DDQ - Delivering Design Quality

About the Project

Location

Masbrough, Rotherham

Type of Project

Residential Development

Project Summary

The Henley Rise site was identified to spearhead a groundbreaking solar energy project involving 23 state of the art eco-homes. The 23 homes are ultra-low energy, affordable, mixed tenure family homes of which 11 are for rent and 12 for sharedownership sale.

Henley Rise is innovative in that it employs proven construction techniques and renewable energy technologies but utilises them in an effective, realistic and replicable manner.

The development is the UK's first Solar Street and provides 23 high quality, contemporary styled and environmentally sustainable 3 bedroom houses which have been developed by SYHA with funding and support from RMBC, RHB and TSY. All 23 properties have been constructed to Eco-homes ‘excellent’ standard with super-insulation; timber frames; solar thermal (water heating); photovoltaics (electricity generation); a wind turbine is to be installed which is expected to provide around 800kw of electricity per annum. Based on standard usage, residents are expected to save £500 a year on fuel bills.

Each property has been designed to minimise carbon dioxide emissions by:

• Minimising energy demand
• Generating renewable energy
• Helping residents reduce their energy use

Prices for the homes start from an estimated £60,000 for a 50% share.

Partners Involved in the Project

SYHA, RHB, TSY

Date Project Commenced

August 2006

Current Status

Completed - October 2007

Project History

How the Project Came Together

• In 2004 SYHA was invited by the Regional Office for Yorkshire and the Humber to submit a bid for funding for a transformational housing development which could be replicated across the region
• The RMBC site was previously vacant land and zoned for housing in RMBC’s development plan – planning for residential development approved and full permission granted on 9th March 2006
• Cabinet approval granted to lease the site for 125 years to SYHA on 24th April 2006
• The site was valued at £600,000
• 100% nomination rights granted to Council on all properties in perpetuity
• Properties to be advertised in the Key Choices property shop and local newspapers
• Consultation with local Community Partnership Groups and Housing Market Renewal ADF Steering Group

Consultation - How Did the Outcomes of the Project Affect Peoples Lives in the Locality

• The site was identified as an ideal place to build the Eco-homes
• The innovative design of the homes has raised the profile of the area and provided affordable rented properties as well as providing the opportunity for local people to get onto the property ladder
• With lower fuel bills and carbon emissions reduced the development is an asset to the area
• Elements of the development can be replicated across the borough therefore benefiting the whole town of Rotherham
• The School Improvement Adviser has ensured the local schools are engaged with the development and visits have been arranged at the start of the school term

Detail of any Public Launch, Media Coverage etc.

• Articles have been published in The Star, The Advertiser and the Guardian
  A ‘sod cutting’ event took place November 2006 to publicly launch the development
• Property shop open day – 6th July 2007
• Public open days - 7th/8th July 2007
• 102 families visited the houses during the course of the weekend
• 39 expressed an interest in purchasing
• Overall the understanding of the concept of shared ownership was remarkably high
• The feedback on the design and quality of the houses was virtually 100% positive. Approximately 70% of the visitors preferred the unconventional house type with the living space on the 1st floor
• There was a high appreciation of the benefits of the renewable features, both ecologically and economically
• All those expressing an interest in purchasing will be contacted in writing to establish a dialogue with them, and all others who expressed an interest through key choices
• Official launch planned in October 2007

Quotes & Testimonials

Council tenant Diane Watson used to be aware of green issues – but her new eco-home at Henley Rise in has really opened her eyes to the benefits of a greener lifestyle.

Diane and her grandson Paul (10) were among the first to move into the scheme in 2007, and now they wouldn't be without their clean, green eco-home. "I care about the environment more now than I did before," said Diane. "Living in a house like this does make you think a little bit more about the environment - it makes you think, what's going to be left for my grandson when he grows up?

"I buy more fresh fruit and vegetables at the market now and I can't believe how much better it tastes! I've stopped smoking because my grandson told me I couldn't have an eco-friendly house and still smoke.

"There's a shed in the garden for storing bicycles and a rainwater butt so we don’t have to use a hose pipe, and these days I re-use carrier bags and generally think more about the environment."

But it’s not just the planet's resources that Diane is saving – her eco-friendly house is also saving her money. "It's made a real difference to my bills. I pay £60 a month for my gas and electricity which is very reasonable – it's definitely cheaper living here. "We've got solar panels to heat the water, photovoltaic panels to generate electricity and really good insulation.

"If you wash or iron when the sun's shining you don't use so much electricity, and any electricity you save you can sell back to the National Grid, so at the moment the electricity company owes me £180!"

When Diane first moved in she found some of the new technology intimidating. "It was a bit technical at first and a bit scary," she said. "When I saw the boiler cupboard upstairs I thought 'Beam me up, Scotty!' It was like Dr Who's Tardis! But you soon get used to it."

The location of Henley Rise is also ideal for Diane, who enjoys being near open countryside yet within walking distance of all Rotherham's amenities. "It's lovely here," she said. "There's a farmer's field next door so you feel as if you're in the countryside, and if it's a nice day I can easily walk into town – I don't need to take the car.

"When I wake up in the morning I still think how lucky I am to live here."

Awards

Winner of:

• Sheffield Telegraph – Design and Build Award 2007
• RIBA White Rose Awards – 2008
• Timber In Construction – Social House Building Award - 2008
• Building for Life – Gold standard – 2009

Nominated for:

• RICS AWARDS May 2009