Leading housing association, Midland Heart, has started work on a housing development in Handsworth, Birmingham that will meet the Government’s Future Homes Standard, providing an 80% reduction in carbon emissions.
Whilst there are other examples of low carbon developments, this is the first that models the Government’s Future Homes Standard which will be compulsory for all new homes built by 2025.
Midland Heart is working in partnership with local construction company Tricas Construction Ltd to build the homes.
Director of Development at Midland Heart, Chris Miller, said: “We’re really proud to be leading this pioneering project and look forward to working with our partners and welcoming new residents to this unique development.
“The homes built on Grosvenor Road will be ‘normal homes’, built largely using regular materials which have been sourced locally, demonstrating the practicability of the Future Homes Standard.”
The Building Alliance is working in partnership with Birmingham City University, to support the project. The University will provide in depth research to evidence all aspects of the design and delivery of the homes of the future to measure cost-effectiveness, with residents to understand their experience of the new technology.
The project will also offer a living lab for student learning. The evidence gathered will help to inform future policy on climate change adaption in the built environment.
The homes are due for completion by Easter 2022, three years ahead of the Government’s target.
Midland Heart have also secured planning permission for a further 12 low carbon apartments in Elvetham Road, Birmingham which are due for completion in August 2022.
