PROJECT REPORT: LUXURY DEVELOPMENTS 31


together, rather than treating them as separate issues,” explains Richards. “It fundamentally changed the way we approached design, procurement and collaboration across the consultant team.” While Richards believes there has historically been a perception that sustainability involves compromise for occupants, he says the architects are fi nding that to be increasingly challenged by projects. He cites the facts that better insulated homes are quieter, healthier and more comfortable, better daylight improves wellbeing, durable materials age more “gracefully,” and lower running costs providing lasting values for homeowners. “The challenge isn’t balancing luxury against sustainability,” he says. “It’s integrating both ambitions from the very beginning of the design process. When sustainability becomes an inherent part of the architecture rather than something added later, the two reinforce one another remarkably well.” While he acknowledges that the initial cost can be higher, he believes the lower operational costs, durability and overall improved performance repays that cost. The team felt it important that independent validation was sought for their sustainability efforts. Whole life carbon assessor Darren Evans concluded the development performs 10-15 years ahead of most new build housing in the UK in terms of its whole life carbon


performance, describing them as “among the most environmentally friendly houses in the UK.” For Richards and the project team, it was confi rmation that theyd made the right choices: “It provided real evidence that the design decisions we had made were delivering measurable environmental benefi ts, he says That’s not to say they don’t believe there’s room for improvement on future projects. Hartdene Barns successfully met the RIBA 2025 potable water targets through careful specifi cation of fi ttings and appliances” but to meet the more ambitious 2030 targets certain elements – such as rainwater harvesting and site-wide water recycling – will, says Richards, need to be factored much earlier in the design process. “Those lessons are already informing how we approach subsequent projects,” he says.


Richards believes that the housebuilding industry as a whole can be “more ambitious” when it comes to high end, sustainable homes. While he acknowledges that a single approach will never work, due to each site’s unique planning, commercial and environmental constraints, he says that Hartdene Barns proves that architectural quality and environmental performance don’t have to “compete.” He adds that with the right team, it’s “entirely possible” to create desirable, environmentally responsible and commercially successful homes.


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