Green Space

We have launched the most environmentally friendly affordable family homes in the region, doubling the number of zero-carbon properties throughout the country.

The Green Space scheme, in Mendip Place, Chelmsford, Essex, was awarded a level-six Code for Sustainable Homes rating – the highest possible – by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The development has acheived several accolades:

• Winner of a Green Apple award for the Built Environment and Architectural  Heritage for the 'most environmentally friendly housing assocation project';
• Bronze winner of the What House 2011 awards for 'Best sustainable development' - read the What House award winners 2011 [pdf] 9MB report for more information;
• Shortlisted in the Sustainable Smaller Housing Assocaiton Project of the year category for the Sustainable Housing Awards 2011 run by Inside Housing. 

Project aims

The scheme was built on one of our former garage sites, which was underused and a prime target for vandalism and graffiti. The Green Space development offers ten properties - four one-bedroom apartments and six two and three-bedroom homes - for social rent.

Renewable technologies

The regenerated garage site provides residents with an eco-friendly way of life, helping them reduce energy costs while offering a fully sustainable living style.

The homes utilise the latest renewable eco-technologies and construction techniques such as:

• Biomass heating system providing heating and hot water fuelled by renewable energy sources (wood pellets);
• Roof mounted photovoltaic cells (solar panels) allowing residents to generate on-site electricity;
• Rainwater harvesting system and reduced flow taps/showers in each property - a means of collecting rainwater from roofs - to reduce water usage;
• Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) to provide high levels of thermal and sound insulation and triple-glazed windows reduce heat loss;
• Residents can also use recycling bins and composting areas to lower their household waste.

Funding

Funding was secured from the Homes and Communities Agency, Chelmsford Borough Council, Low Carbon Buildings Programme and our own private finance.

Partners

The scheme was built in partnership with:

• Contractors: McCann Homes;
• Local authority: Chelmsford Borough Council;
• Development agent: Flagship Housing Group;
• Chartered surveyors: Oxbury and Company;
• Architects: Ingleton Wood.

For further information please download the Green Space brochure [pdf].

Last updated: 16 May 2013

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