Delivering future-proof, energy-efficient terrace homes

We were appointed by Watford Borough Council to deliver multidisciplinary services on five, new build residential terrace homes.

The client brief focused on providing an energy-efficient building, as close to zero carbon as possible. The project team achieved this through meticulous consideration to the design, material specification, and construction methods. The houses benefit from air source heat pumps and photovoltaic arrays, providing a renewable source of energy and space heating for the homes. The individual off-street parking spaces are fitted with electric charging points to encourage electric vehicles. The use of lightweight timber frames in the construction process ensures the homes have good thermal properties and reduced the concrete used in the foundations compared to brick and block structures. The homes achieved a four-star rating from the Home Quality Mark assessment, comparable to BREEAM Excellent, setting a benchmark for future housing within the Borough.

We were appointed from RIBA Stage 1-5 on the project which had a 12-month programme. Following careful planning with Stace H&S advisors, the site remained open during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic with safety being maintained with minimal impact to site activities.

The building won the Richard Feilden Award for best social housing scheme at the Housing Design Awards.