Training for a pilot of a new hybrid modular eco build system is currently underway to bring four affordable homes to Chard. Leading social housing provider Stonewater is working in partnership with Beattie Passive to deliver the new homes through the construction company’s Flying Factory partnership.
Stonewater’s local managing contractor Ashcot Construction is currently undertaking training with Beattie Passive to deliver the homes to meet Passivhaus standards.
Passivhaus is an advanced low-energy construction standard for buildings that offers significantly reduced heating costs, superior air quality and high-performance homes.
Isabel Beattie, Director of Strategy and Development at Beattie, said: “We are delighted to be working with Stonewater and Ashcot Construction to deliver these much-needed homes.
“Through our Flying Factory partnership, we will be equipping Aschot Construction with the skills to deliver Passivhaus standard housing, enabling them to deliver both economic and social benefits to the local community through locating the factory close to the construction site, including local employment, training opportunities and using local supply chains.”
Together, Stonewater and Ashcot will be able to build more homes following the Passivhaus principles in areas with a high demand for housing, whilst supporting their local economy with additional employment opportunities.
Supported with funding from Homes England and South Somerset District Council. The completed homes will be provided on brownfield redundant land, which used to be part of the Chard Working Men’s Club, a former three-storey building that was renovated and transformed into five one and two-bedroom affordable apartments by Stonewater in 2015.
Charlotte Brace, Special Projects Manager at Stonewater said: “We’re incredibly excited to be working in partnership with Beattie Passive and Ashcot Construction for this pilot.
“There are many benefits to delivering a project like this, including reduced transport costs and being able to work closely with the local labour force to deliver social and economic benefits to the community. But there are also cost-saving benefits for our customers.
“The majority of heating required to heat the home comes from ‘passive’ sources such as sunlight and emitted heat from electrical appliances, meaning almost no traditional heating system is required.”
The four two-bedroom homes, which are expected to complete by the end of the year, will all be available for affordable rent and will be provided with a garden and parking space.
Lee Slade, Managing Director at Ashcot Construction, said: “We’re excited to start training for this project today! We are thrilled to have been selected for this project, working again with Stonewater and our new partners at Beattie Passive.
“We are passionate about sustainable, modern methods of construction which can bring real benefits to the residents.”
Councillor Val Keitch, Portfolio Holder for Strategy & Housing and Leader at South Somerset District Council, commented: “We want to enable housing and communities to meet the existing and future needs of residents and by working with affordable housing suppliers such as Stonewater, we are pleased to enable the delivery of local eco-friendly housing which of course comes with additional benefits for the environment.”
