Introduction
Blackthorn Road is a development of 12 properties, 6 3-bedroomed 5 person houses and 6 2-bedroom 4 person houses, designed and built by Mansell Construction Services Ltd between February 2011 and February 2012 in partnership with Dudley MBC. The development contains features to make each house as energy efficient as possible and generate electricity from sustainable sources.
What was involved?
This project involved appointing a design and build contractor and the formation of a project team who took the lead in managing all aspects this development from design right through to the construction.
This development is part of a wider initiative of 5 new build sites throughout the Dudley area that has been part funded from the Home and Communities Agency; a national housing and regeneration agency.
Thermal Insulation
The use of insulation in the external and internal walls, windows, doors and roof keeps the warmth in and helps keep the residents heating bills low. Insulation materials can be made from sheep’s wool, glass and rock fibre, recycled materials or foam plastic.
Zoned Heating Controls
The efficiency of a central heating system is made more efficient by dividing the homes into zones with different heating needs. Each zone contains its own time and temperature control meaning it can fire the boiler independently. The first zone to require heat turns the boiler on and the last to require heat switches it off. Zoned heating controls provide the flexibility to heat different parts of a dwelling at to a different temperatures at different times of the day, e.g. for a home office, conservatory or granny flat.
Whole House Ventilation Systems
Whole house ventilation systems harness the natural movement of air to provide a comfortable internal environment. The building is cooled by replacing the warm stale air with fresh cool air ready for the following day during the summer months. This provides a fully integrated climate control systems through a series of controls that are linked to temperature sensors. Natural ventilation is a good alternative to conventional air conditioning systems because they do not use energy to cool the building.
Heat Recovery System
A heat recovery system collects heat generated in the kitchen and bathroom and channels it through a series of pipes or vents to redistribute the recycled heat back through to other areas of the house. The application of heat recovery systems can reduce energy consumption and energy bills.
Solar Photovoltaic Panels
The photovoltaic solar panels which are mounted on the roofs of the new properties converts’ sun light into electricity, which is used to power appliances. The occupiers benefit from reduced electricity bills. Dudley MBC has registered the development with the feed in tariff scheme, a national financial incentive scheme designed to accelerate the generation of electricity from sustainable sources and make them more financially attractive. Dudley MBC will receive a payment for each unit of excess electricity generated by the panels and will use this for servicing and maintaining the panels.
Outcomes
The energy saving credentials of the development has achieved a level 4 in the Code for Sustainable Homes; a national scheme that rates the environmental performance of residential developments.
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