Developer Autograph Homes starts work on new development of net zero carbon homes
Developer Autograph Homes has started on a new development of net zero carbon homes in Bristol that will help reduce energy bills for their owners.
At a time when all eyes are on rising energy costs, Bristol-based Autograph Homes is incorporating a range of low-impact technologies into the properties at The Haw Wood site that will scale down their carbon footprint and help reduce bills.
The collection of 30 homes, including eight affordable, is being built in a woodland location on Bristol’s northern edge in association with specialist property lender Octopus Real Estate, under its Greener Homes Alliance initiative with Homes England.
The development will target an SAP A rating for efficiency and environmental impact.
Simon Taylor, MD of Autograph Homes said: “We’re delighted to see the first spade in the ground here at The Haw Wood. These homes will include the latest energy-saving technologies, helping to relieve some of the concerns people currently have around energy bills. A low carbon build is absolutely the right thing to do for the planet.”
Benjamin Davis, CEO at Octopus Real Estate, said: “We’re thrilled that our joint venture with Homes England is helping to meet the increasingly urgent need to develop more sustainable homes across the UK regions. Creating more energy-efficient homes is vital if this country is going to make progress towards net zero.”
Autograph will be developing these homes to include high levels of insulation, outstanding airtightness, and a precision-built timber frame to minimise heat loss through the roof, walls and floor. Oversize, thermally insulated windows will let more natural daylight flood into the properties, reducing reliance on artificial lights and helping to warm the house through solar gain, as well as reducing heat loss during winter.
Homes will be pre-fitted with high-output PV panels, ground floor underfloor heating, and air source heat pumps, as well as electric vehicle charging points.
Autograph will also be installing water butts at every property, so residents can collect and use rainwater that would otherwise drain away.
Outdoor space and landscaping will form an important part of the design of The Haw Wood. Community outdoor space will be enhanced with a flowering meadow, a community allotment, and a children’s activity area. With a strong focus on being a wildlife-friendly community, there will be native trees and plants, with habitats integrated for birds and insects.
Award-winning Autograph Homes has a proven track record in building eco-friendly homes. Its latest development at ViewPoint@Totterdown Bristol is a finalist in the sustainability category at the leading Housebuilder Awards.
The Greener Homes Alliance, formed late last year between Octopus Real Estate and Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, pledged to commit £175 million in providing both loan finance and expert support to SME housebuilders, enabling them to build more high quality, energy efficient homes throughout England.
Homes funded must achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B, with developers benefiting from increasing interest rate margin discounts on the loan as the energy efficiency of the homes increases above this (as measured using the Standard Assessment Procedure [SAP]).
Simon concluded: “Our aim is to create smart, simple sustainability with homes that are not only beautiful to look at and live in, but amazingly economical to own. We’re looking forward to seeing these new homes at The Haw Wood come to fruition.”
The show home is due to open in early 2023.
