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CONSTRUCTION SECTOR VIEW
HOUSING FUTURE HOPES
Special report by Ged Henderson
A small housing development in north Lancashire is pointing the way towards the sustainable future of homebuilding.
The 20 new homes rising from the ground in the village of Halton are being built to the exceptionally low-energy ‘Passivhaus’ standard.
The properties are being constructed using airtight building fabric. High-performance windows and doors with insulated frames are also being incorporated in the process.
Air source heat pumps are used to heat and cool the building and provide hot water.
There is an aspiration to link to local renewable energy sources, including a hydroelectricity plant on the nearby River Lune, which will power the estate’s electric vehicle power points.
Passivhaus homes are built with meticulous attention to detail, rigorous design and construction, according to principles developed in Germany.
These homes generally need 90 per cent less energy for heating and hot water than standard
buildings and have very low running costs. It means they are better for the environment and cheaper for people living in them to run.
The family properties, for affordable rent and shared ownership, are being developed by South Lakes Housing (SLH) in partnership with the Lune Valley Community Land Trust.
We must all play a part if we
are to decarbonise our economy
The estate is being funded by SLH, Lancaster City Council and Homes England and building work is set to be completed in the summer.
Blackpool-based Tyson Construction is delivering the development. Philip Helm, business development director, believes it points the way to the future.
At present, Passivhaus building costs are an issue for commercial housebuilders. The construction bill for these low energy properties in Halton is 20 per cent higher than for normal traditional timber frame homes.
The development has been made possible by a partnership approach that has delivered grant funding and Homes England support.
City council leader councillor Caroline Jackson says: “The city council’s priorities are very clear – to take action on climate change, to build local community wealth and engage with our communities in a way that gives power and co-creation. The Halton projects fit every element of this.”
Charles Ainger, who chairs Lune Valley Community Land Trust, stresses the homes will be for local people in the Halton area and talks of the “sustained collaborative effort” that has made the development possible.
Philip Helm says: “We’re really excited to be involved in delivering these homes and to be
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