MULTI OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS PROJECT REPORT
HEMEL HEMPSTEAD BUILDING
PROJECTS THE BEACON High ambition
The Beacon, shortly to begin construction in Hemel Hempstead, is set to be the world’s most sustainable residential tower. James Parker spoke to the project’s architect to hear about this proposed model of luxury eco-living
he Beacon is an ambitious sustainabil- ity project in the UK residential sector in its own right. The 17-storey tower by developer Lumiere Developments is also a statement by a firm looking to make its mark and, as the name suggests, create a model for others to follow. Lumiere’s mission is to “promote large- scale uptake of renewable energy,” and this pioneering zero carbon scheme, which is about to start construction on a site near the A41 in Hemel Hempstead, brings a number of technologies together towards meeting this goal.
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The scheme comes with a host of big claims – the firm says the Beacon will be the “world’s most sustainable residential tower” thanks to a highly-insulated concrete construction – hoped to deliver 40 per cent energy savings – and a range of other meas- ures. Lumiere is also promising “free energy for life,” and the first electric car and bike share scheme of its kind. And at less than half an acre, the site’s small footprint is helping support the project’s claim to have the highest density ‘solar farm’ yet seen – the building will be covered in PV panels. While all this might sound a bit too good to be true, Lumiere’s project architect Nik Vyas is deadly serious about delivering on the project’s aims. And with the building having received detailed planning permission and over 40 per cent of the flats reserved, the proof will soon be visible.
He says the development is unprecedented in the UK, however: “We are trying to create a shift in the industry. I have never worked on a building with such high sustainability credentials, and to be frank that’s because there aren’t many.” He adds, however that there have been doubters: “Naysayers are saying you can’t build a zero carbon building
ADF FEBRUARY 2017
of this type on this site at an affordable cost. People say it’s going to cost you a fortune, but according to what we have done so far it’s not; it can be built for the same price as social housing.”
The developer is looking to tap into strong consumer interest in sustainable living, but also to attract a wide range of demographics including those seeking luxury. The 272 apartments range from £217,950 for a one- bed up to £524,000 for a three-bed and penthouses at around the £1m mark, and will be high-spec throughout.
One of the most innovative aspects of the building is the ‘cooperative’ lifestyle concept that Lumiere has formulated, which residents need to buy into in order to get the full finan- cial benefit, such as renting their cars from the developer and using facilities within the building such as the gym and cinema. One of the project’s key selling points – that of being able to save residents £11,000 a year on bills – is predicated on using all of the available services. It is even hoped they will be able to reduce management fees they pay in so doing, as a result of the profits being returned back to the building. Vyas believes this is another rare aspect of the scheme: “The big idea is trying to create a social equilibrium between all residents – I’ve never come across that before.” He reveals some passionate views about the potential of sustainable buildings, but also the relative lack of such buildings of this scope in the UK residential sector, views which have helped provide impetus for pushing the envelope on the Beacon. “The solutions to end energy poverty are there, but no-one’s ever really tried to answer the ques- tions on such a grand scale.” Vyas adds: “It’s our job to show the indus- try that it can be done, and to raise the
The reception will feature a ‘Living Wall’
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The design team rejected an original scheme using the traditional in situ concrete columns and slabs, and opted for an innovative, largely column- free design with thick 145 mm walls instead
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