Eco homes are 'future of social housing'

NEW eco-friendly homes in Stevenage have been hailed as a "masterclass for the future of social housing" at the recent Hertfordshire Building Futures Awards.

Stevenage Council worked in partnership with Home Group to deliver eight low carbon social rent houses on derelict sites in at Peartree Way and Cotney Croft.

The project won the ‘Outstanding commitment to adapt to a changing climate’ category.

The homes were built with a host of green features, including rainwater collection tanks and sustainable drainage, tilted roofs with tiles producing solar power and high levels of insulation.

Competition judge Professor David Strong said: "The development is hugely impressive.

"It was clear from the entry that when it came to environmental impact and creating houses for the future, no detail was overlooked.

"The design and build of these houses should be taken as a master class in the future of social housing and how our industry adapts to the Government imposed carbon reduction targets."

Cllr Ann Webb, executive member for housing, said: "We’re delighted to have won this award.

"These homes have not only put Stevenage on the map in terms of innovative building, but they’re great for the environment and importantly, reduce fuel bills for those living in them.

"We’re very proud of this project and hope that these homes will be a blueprint for other green homes in the future."

The project also received the silver award for the Built Environment and Architectural Heritage at the International Green Apple awards and was shortlisted for two categories at the Sustainable Housing Awards, earlier this year.