Biggleswade Road in Upper Caldecote, Bedfordshire is a ten unit social housing development comprising a mix of bungalows, semi-detached and detached houses.  

Our client, Grand Union Housing Group, took an early decision to strive for a very sustainable scheme and, as a result, the development proceeded to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes level 5, far exceeding the minimum required under current Building Regulations. To achieve this, the insulation values were increased in the fabric, solar PV panels were provided to all plots and water usage was minimised.  All of the plots met the 16 criteria required for Life Time Homes and the site achieved Secured by Design.

For the semi-detached units high levels of sound insulation were provided to achieve maximum points for CfSH.  On final sound testing, the results showed that the units far exceeded the required reduction of 8dB, achieving between 10-16dB reduction over the AD Part E minimum for airborne sound. The designed air pressure leakage was targeted at 2.5 m³/hr.m²; final testing showed an average air tightness of between 2.47 to 2.1.

The scheme met the clients expectations to provide a net zero carbon development, which also catered for the needs of the occupiers both today and in the future through the adaptability of the dwellings.