AIMCH partner builds zero-carbon home of the future

Latest News Wed, Oct 27, 2021 6:46 AM

Barratt Developments, a partner on the AIMCH project, has built a zero-carbon “home of the future” as the industry prepares for a new, more eco-friendly era of housebuilding

The flagship concept home, in Salford, has been built using modern methods of construction to show off what is achievable for mainstream volume housebuilders.

Alongside AIMCH and 40 other Barratt partners, the company is using the “Z House” to better understand what might work in future developments and what the supply chain needs to do to prepare itself.

“We want to showcase what can be done to deliver zero-carbon living using the latest technologies and working with the best industry partners,” David Thomas, Barratt’s chief executive, said. “Ultimately, the aim is to find solutions to enable the industry to build high-quality, zero- carbon homes that customers love, at scale.”

The home, part-funded by the government, features overhead infrared panels that give off instant zero-carbon heat, a fridge that controls the humidity to reduce food wastage by 60 per cent and electronic taps that are claimed to be able to cut water usage by 80 per cent.

The skirting boards are all heated, giving off 10 per cent more warmth than a typical radiator, and British Gypsum has developed a plaster that traps toxins in the air.

The project is testing out a shower designed by Kelda Showers, which uses less than half the water of a standard mixer shower but gives the sensation of a greater spray force.

That is all on top of the usual solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and an air source heat pump, which transfers heat from the outside to water.

Less high-tech solutions have also been used. Johnson Tiles’ typical bathroom products are 1cm deep, but it has made ones that are only 0.8cm deep for the Z House, reducing carbon emissions by 20 per cent. Handles on the kitchen cabinets are made out of coconut husk, the worktops feature 100 per cent recycled chipboard and the downstairs walls have been made off-site with the windows fitted in a factory, which Barratt reckons halves the build time.

The house also boasts a biodiversity garden that has nests for bats and swifts, as well as a pond, “hedgehog highways” and a green wall. Set on the main campus of the University of Salford, one of the university’s scientists will stay in the home to measure its energy-efficiency and to make sure that it is practical.

The government’s Future Home Standard aims to ensure that all new houses from 2025 will produce 75 per cent less carbon emissions than existing new-builds. Barratt expects the Z House to “substantially surpass” this standard by delivering a 100 per cent reduction plus another 25 per cent drop in emissions linked to lifestyle choices, which would make it the first home in the country built by a leading housebuilder to do so.

Featured News

Specification news
Education Secretary sets timeline for RAAC removal in...

Every single child in England to be learning in classrooms free from RAAC as the...

Read More >>

Specification news
BCIA launches insightful technical white paper at the...

To foster awareness among policymakers of the vital importance of building controls...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Pump Technology Product Range Catalogue Brochure

Pump Technology Prod...
By Pump Technology Ltd

Download Now >>

Our product range at a glance... Brochure

Our product range at...
By Premier Loft Ladders...

Download Now >>

Your Specialist Partner in Composite Steel Roof & Floor Decking Brochure

Your Specialist Part...
By RMD Profiles Ltd

Download Now >>

PVC-U System Fully Reversible Windows by Epwin Window Systems Brochure

PVC-U System Fully R...
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Supreme Heavy-Duty Loft Ladder
Supreme Heavy-Duty Loft Ladder

The Supreme heavy-duty loft ladder is supplied as a ready to fit unit. It is manufactured from high...

Read More >>

Designo Loft Ladder
Designo Loft Ladder

The Elite heavy-duty loft ladder...The Elite heavy duty concertina loft ladder is supplied without a...

Read More >>

Elite Loft Ladder
Elite Loft Ladder

The Elite heavy-duty loft ladder...The Elite heavy duty concertina loft ladder is supplied without a...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Proctor Air® Product Explainer
Proctor Air® Product Explainer

Proctor Air® is an air and vapour permeable, highly water resistant roofing underlay. Its...

Watch Now >>

Discover the Power of Blue Roofs in Urban Flood Management
Discover the Power of Blue Roofs in Urban Flood Management

In this video, we explore how blue roofs are transforming urban landscapes by helping to mitigate...

Watch Now >>

RMD Profiles - UK Experts in Metal Decking, Design Installation
RMD Profiles - UK Experts in Metal Decking, Design Installation

At RMD Profiles, we’re more than just metal decking. From supply-only solutions to full design and...

Watch Now >>