Architectural Projects
delivered through ceiling mounted
infra-red heating panels which
efficiently maintain a constant internal
temperature.
The 5.7kw/p solar PV on the four
bedroom properties not only generate
electricity to run the house, but a power
diverter also ensures that solar power
is used directly to power the hot water
heating for a large portion of the year.
The two bedroom bungalows feature
3.78kw/p of solar PV to do the same job
on a smaller scale.
While the houses provide the level
of quality, style and energy-saving
credentials one would associate with
a self-build, what sets the properties
of Woodlands Edge apart from other
eco-homes is that they’re built with
the community in mind. Unlike the
experience of building or purchasing
a unique property, the eco-homes at
Woodlands Edge create a much more
sociable environment which feels like a
real neighbourhood.
The homes during both stages of
development have been built using a
variety of systems to incorporate a range
of different building methodologies.
Three methods have been used across
Woodlands Edge. The first 18 homes
were built using an insulated concrete
formwork method with polystyrene
blocks, while the two bed properties are
timber frames, and the four bed homes
are a blockwork construction with a
200mm cavity.
This flexible approach has helped the
company to continue to innovate and
maximise energy saving efficiencies. Each
home has been built so it is fully electric,
generating the majority of power from
integrated solar panels on the roof.
The homes are super insulated, with
south facing triple glazed windows
which allow the low angled sun to
heat and stream light into the main
living spaces, while smaller triple
glazed windows to the other elevations
minimise heat loss. The heating system
can be easily controlled via an app, and
running costs are typically less than £1
a day.
The second phase development
properties are also super air tight
and use a whole house heat recovery
ventilation system to maintain a
continuous supply of fresh filtered
air while retaining heat. The small
amount of space heating required is
35
Gusto Homes forms part of the wider
family-owned Gusto Group. This
includes sister companies Gusto
Construction and architects Studio-G
Associates. Together, the development
arm, creative design arm and
experienced construction workforce
deliver homes that are future-ready and
sustainable while maintaining a high
quality and attractive finish for buyers.
The company is currently developing a
site in the nearby village of Collingham,
which is thought to be the largest
housing development in the UK to
be heated using geothermal energy.
Collingham Park is a residential
development with 60 retirement
apartments and bungalows. Using
geothermal energy from 32 boreholes
reaching 120 metres underground, the
technology will cut resident’s energy
bills by around 75%.
Innovative sites like Woodlands Edge
are at the forefront of eco home
development. As people become
more aware of their environmental
impact and look for new ways to lead a
sustainable life, it will be sites like this
that pave the way for a greener future.
www.gustohomes.co.uk