Plans for low-energy housing at Gorse Ride
30 September 2020
Our planning application for a low-energy housing development at Gorse Ride in Wokingham was submitted this month. Working in close collaboration with Wokingham Borough Council, residents and the local community, the masterplan celebrates diversity and creates an exemplar proposal for affordable and social tenure-led development. The phased regeneration will take place over a number of years, transforming the estate into a place local people can be proud of.
Following careful consideration of the energy hierarchy, anticipated reduction in energy demand is 17% through energy efficient fabric and building services. An 8.3% reduction in regulated CO2 is achieved through incorporation of renewable energy technologies and regulated CO2 emissions are anticipated to be reduced by 40% compared to a baseline Building Regulations compliant scheme. Proposals include:
– U-values exceeding Building Regulations limiting values, high performance wall ties and insulation
– High levels of airtightness and thermal mass, and reductions in thermal bridging potential. Overheating analysis has proven meeting TM52 and TM59 future weather file now
– Passive solar shading through balcony design
– Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) and a large number of openable windows
– A highly efficient decentralised gas district heating network for the apartments, providing 22.6% of the development’s total energy demand
– Removal of gas and gas boilers for individual houses and bungalows, replaced via electrification served by internal Air Source Heat Pump’s, integrated into a hot water cylinder
“It is a complex project with some significant challenges, but the design process and ideas created by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt and the team of consultants to overcome these has been very effective. They are clearly committed to achieving more than just a planning permission. They are passionate about creating a great place to live for the future community.” – Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for finance and housing at Wokingham Borough Council
TAGS Sustainability