Housing

Listed Refurb Setting New Standards

in

Architects image of Cambrian House, Clevedon

Cambrian House on Wellington Terrace, Clevedon, is being fully refurbished using a combination of traditional materials and the latest technology to create a modern home for the 21st century.

The house has an integrated but separate fully fitted guest suite at lower ground floor. It boasts four generous reception rooms, a new kitchen diner, three bedrooms (master on suite) at ground and first floors and a large attic bedroom.

This Grade II listed Georgian house with its striking modern extension overlooks Clevedon Pier and Severn Estuary. Currently on site with occupation for Christmas 2016.

Bringing PassivHaus to West Somerset

in

Image: Townsend Farm Carhampton

gcp are responsible for the detailed design of 20 PassivHaus homes under construction in Carhampton for Hastoe Housing Association and delivered by Halsall Construction.

The development, due for completion next summer, incorporates highly efficient building fabric, a PassivHaus certified heat recovery ventilation system and solar thermal roof panels. Thanks to this, the occupants will enjoy a comfortable healthy living environment and benefit from reduced energy bills.

If you would like to learn more about this scheme and our Passivhaus design services, please contact Colin Powell.
 

Can PassivHaus enable Zero-Carbon?

in

Comparison of domestic heat loss

Working closely with Kier Living, the contractor for Torpoint, South Bristol, gcp provided comparative analysis of the Zero Carbon Hub 2016 Fabric Energy Efficiency (FEE) Standard and PassivHaus. This showed that PassivHaus standard achieves approximately 37% greater reduction in Carbon Emissions over the Zero Carbon Hub recommended FEE. This improved baseline indicates that PassivHaus can achieve the 2016 Zero Carbon Target whilst avoiding ‘Allowable Solutions’ costs.

Allowable Solutions offset the shortfall in Carbon Reduction between as-built performance and full Zero-Carbon. These costs could come as a levy or contribution to off-site renewables or other Carbon Reduction measures.

The cost difference between Zero Carbon Hub FEE and PassivHaus is modest and reducing as more contractors and suppliers become confident in delivering higher performance construction.

For more information or a presentation on PassivHaus and Zero Carbon contact Colin Powell.

Continuing Housing Success

in

Torpoint Housing scheme for Knightstone, nearing completion.

gcp have been reappointed to the Knightstone Housing Framework and have, for the first time, secured a position on the Devon and Cornwall Housing Framework. gcp are currently supporting Halsall Construction on a new housing project for DCH in Four Lanes, Cornwall. Working with Kier Living and South Western Housing Society, gcp are now developing proposals for 28 new homes in Cotford St Luke, Taunton.

We have also submitted planning for a Rural Exception site to provide 6 affordable homes for local families in Othery Somerset, for South Western Housing Society. Working with Stonewater Housing (formally Raglan) and EG Carter Construction, our 20 unit infill development within the Glastonbury Town Centre Conservation Area is now being handed over and first tenants are moving in to their new homes with fantastic views of the Tor.

If you would like to learn more about our housing design services, please contact Colin Powell.

 

Thermal Bridging Calculation Qualified

in
Thermal Bridging Calculation

Thermal Bridging Calculation

gcp are pleased to announce the addition of thermal bridging calculations to our services, available through gcp Consulting.

Part L of the Building Regulations now requires the submission of Thermal Bridging Calculations.

The Part L1A SAP calculation uses conservative default values for thermal bridging. Replacing these with calculated values assists in demonstrating Part L compliance through improved performance without needing to upgrade the specification of other elements of the building.

Please contact Jon Briscoe if you would like to know more about thermal bridging calculation services.