The Velux CarbonLight Homes have opened their doors to the UK??s housebuilders, architects, academics and developers, ahead of the first test family moving in later this year. Barratt Developments PLC, Crest Nicholson, Gentoo and Coventry University are just some of those to have toured the two carbon neutral homes, eager to learn more about their innovative design and energy strategy. The visits come as the first test family prepares to move into the four bedroom house in October with the second test family following in Spring 2013.
Stephen Wooldridge, Sustainability Manager at Barratt Developments PLC, said: ?I am interested to learn more about the success of the natural ventilation strategies designed into the homes using the double-height atriums. Indoor air quality is a key part of a successful design solution and achieving this while using and losing as little energy as possible is of significant interest to me.
?It??s also important that an energy efficient home is easy for occupants to manage so they reap the rewards of the energy strategy. Using a ??fabric first?? ethos, as in the CarbonLight Homes, makes a dwelling intrinsically efficient. This is particularly important in relation to the number of houses we build and sell each year. I will be interested to see the results of the monitoring programme.??
Keith Riddle, Managing Director at VELUX adds: ?We??re eager to start a discussion on best practice for the industry and are delighted that the industry has taken the opportunity to visit the homes, all eager to see if they can learn from our left of field approach that pitches energy efficiency alongside occupant health and wellbeing. The proof of the pudding is in the eating and we are now looking forward to reporting back on the test families?? findings.??
The CarbonLight Homes will remain open to view until the test families move in. You can arrange a visit the CarbonLight Homes at www.velux.co.uk
