The motivation and challenge of building affordable starter homes that are ‘future fit’
Dan was invited to join Graham Ross of Square Circle Developments and Charley Gremo-Gilham of Red Key Concepts for a sustainable construction show special on the Biz Connect radio show – a bi-weekly radio show that discusses topical business news stories and showcases local businesses. This show specifically focuses on Square Circle Development’s Net Zero Carbon project – a housing development on the site of Graham’s former furniture factory in a residential neighbourhood in Westgate-on-Sea.
Graham talks about his motivation for building ‘green’, and the challenge of building affordable starter homes that are ‘future fit’ in terms of our need to address climate change. We hear from Graham about the lengthy project planning process and the importance of having a supportive local council to get behind the project, as well as the need for an open and collaborative approach with all project partners to address and solve problems as they arise.
OSG were delighted to be commissioned by Square Circle Developments as the technical architects to take the original designs through the technical design and delivery phase. Dan explains the difference between ‘Net Zero Carbon’ in this instance versus ‘Passive House’ and discusses thermal efficiency, renewable energy provision and embodied carbon reduction measures being adopted in Graham’s development to minimize the overall carbon footprint and achieve the stated ‘Net Zero’ carbon objective.
This is an exciting project to be involved in and a first for the area – it is hoped this ‘Net Zero’ carbon development of ‘future-fit’ starter homes will set a benchmark for future development in the area and inspire other forward thinking developers to follow suit.
Charley highlights the changing dynamic in the marketplace post-Covid, with more commercial properties now applying for ‘change of use’ planning permission and also talks about the importance of a local, trusted supply chain to help control costs and also deliver a more ‘sustainable’ development.
The show rounds up with a discussion around the future for energy efficient low carbon housing and the importance of the ‘fabric first’ approach in retrofitting greener energy solutions to existing housing stock and also in new build construction.
Tune in to the recording above via our You Tube channel to hear about this progressive sustainable development from the point of view of the developer, architect and main construction contractor.