Designed by Black Box Architects, these highly efficient homes avoid the need for fossil fuels for traditional central heating and hot water production.
The Black Box design utilises orientation, sunshine, shade, ventilation and optimal material selection. The only technical input being solar roof panels linked to the electrical circuits for hot water storage and air source heat pumps to feed the underfloor heating system.
The houses use solar gain and external thermal insulation to retain heat all year round with solid wall construction and no cavities or cold spots. By only using the highest levels of insulation, airtightness and building materials, can result in up to 90% less energy than a standard home. Also offering superior indoor comfort thanks to the consistent temperatures and quality of airflow. They also have the added benefit of reducing both external and internal noise due to the high levels of insulation and triple-glazed windows.
With ever rising energy costs and the abolishment of Gas in New homes built from 2025, overall these new homes have been calculated at Pre build stage EPC Energy level ‘A 96’ with the potential once built to further this to ‘A 98’. To put in context, an average home in England during 2020 was Band D 60, which demonstrates an incredible achievement.