42
STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Modern performance from traditional methods
Developed by a Midlands housing association, a recent project in Handsworth, Birmingham shows a forward-thinking approach to sustainable housing, anticipating the Future Homes Standard. MPA Masonry explores how combining innovative materials with traditional construction methods can create effi cient, low-carbon homes.
T
he brainchild of forward-thinking housing association Midland Heart, the design and construction of Project 80: Eco Drive in Handsworth, Birmingham, completed in 2022, pre- empted the Future Homes Standard (FHS), which is set to be introduced in 2025. From the outset, Midland Heart was keen to meet all the requirements of the forthcoming regulations, which will see all new homes expected to produce a 75-80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to currently accepted levels.
The Future Homes Standard covers a wide range of criteria and the developer had to carefully plan every aspect of the build to ensure the lowest whole-life carbon performance. This ranged from the materials chosen and systems specifi ed, through to the machinery used onsite and the fi xtures, fi ttings and fi nishes in the property.
A low-carbon home also needs to be structurally safe, built to last and comfortable for the occupier. This meant balancing achieving the Future Homes Standards requirements without compromising the essential elements which comprise a quality home.
© Midland Heart
“Blockwork, whether concrete or aircrete, has very impressive whole-life carbon qualities which are often overlooked”
Tony Hopkin, head of construction & quality at Midland Heart
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK Fabric-fi rst design
The FHS is set to usher in a new age of energy-effi cient, low-emissions housing. Midland Heart was keen to ensure it met the stipulated low U-values on its upcoming developments, leading to the initial concept of Project 80 and the objective of delivering a fully ‘fabric fi rst’ development. As Tony Hopkin, head of construction and quality at Midland Heart revealed: “Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, yet we’re also conscious
of our environmental responsibility, so we wanted to build homes which not only protect people, but the planet too. So, Project 80’s overarching aim became the elimination of any unintended consequences which would cause the properties to fail to comply with the FHS, as this would have massive negative implications for potential occupiers, and the housing association. “In particular, we wanted to show that, with the right materials and systems, achieving ultra-low U-values was entirely possible. By trialling different solutions, particularly the latest concrete and aircrete blocks, we were able to achieve U-values of 0.13, putting our properties comfortably within the standard’s requirements.” The West Midlands has a wealth of local block manufacturers and a rich heritage of block production. For this project, concrete blocks were manufactured by Shropshire- based Besblock, and its aircrete blocks were manufactured by H+H.
This blended approach not only achieved the required thermal effi ciency, but the use of high-performance aircrete blocks, which are lightweight and easy to install, supported the air-tight structures and reduced the chance of thermal bridging. It also signifi cantly accelerated the construction process.
A material success To meet its aims of achieving Part L compliance, Midland Heart needed to specify materials that could deliver maximum effi ciency, yet also deliver safe, secure, comfortable and affordable dwellings. Furthermore, they were keen to work with local businesses, ensuring a small
ADF JANUARY 2025
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
