Client: Gallions Housing Association
Architects: PRP Architects
Main contractors: Willmott Dixon
Joinery: Milbank Windows
Timber suppliers: Crown Timber

• Timber frame, with double insulation (U-value 0.25 W/m2K)
• Argon filled double glazed timber windows (U-value at pane centre 1.1 W/m2K)
• Water-based stains and paints
• EcoHomes ‘Excellent’

This mixed development of 39 houses for social housing rent and 8 flats for sale was designed to provide cost-effective, affordable homes using sustainable construction methods and environmentally friendly materials and has been awarded an EcoHomes ‘Excellent’ rating.

Inspired by Dutch social housing, it was intended as a prototype for further UK developments and incorporates a number of practical, common-sense, rather than ground-breaking, design solutions, which are easy to use and maintain.

Central to the project is the highly thermally efficient timber frame and argon filled timber windows. Renewable red cedar was used for external cladding.

Additional features include conservatories to maximise solar gain, solar collectors for preheating domestic hot water, grey water recycling for WC flushing, rainwater collection and re-use, low flush WCs and spray taps, and passive ventilation.

The scheme originally featured a visitors’ centre that reverted back to flats a year after completion and a ‘naked house’ designed to demonstrate the construction techniques used.