THE FIRST low carbon homes are nearing completion on the site of the former Mountfort pub in Kingshurst.
Set to be delivered in phases, these 25 homes form part of a much wider regeneration scheme to completely transform Kingshurst Village Centre.
This initial phase of housing development includes a mix of three and four-bedroom family homes as well as one-bedroom maisonettes and will be part of a new housing and retail area, centred around a brand-new community health and wellness hub.
The new homes will be managed by Solihull Community Housing (SCH) on behalf of Solihull Council, with the new tenants expected to move in next month as contractors push ahead with the finishing touches.
Councillor Mark Parker, cabinet member for Housing, said: “This is a real milestone for Kinghurst as the first phase of construction nears completion and we prepare to sign tenancies.
“It’s an exciting and important first step in delivering on a much wider scheme that will totally transform Kingshurst.
“It will also help to address the current shortfall of affordable housing and marks a significant initial contribution to the 78 new homes envisioned in the Kingshurst Masterplan.”
The homes have been built in what’s known as a ‘fabric-first approach’ using sustainable prefabricated timber frames manufactured in the UK and put up on site.
Solihull Council say this method of construction allows for airtight insulation and combined with ultra-low U-value windows and doors provides for maximum thermal efficiency, so the new homes are both well insulated and economical to heat.
The homes are equipped with a range of low carbon and renewable technologies to help generate heat and power including air source heat pumps which takes warmth from the air outside and uses it to supply heating and hot water, even when temperatures get as low as -15C. Each home has also been fitted with integrated solar PV panels to provide additional power.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for Climate Change and Planning said: “These first low carbon homes have been designed with the highest energy efficiency standards in mind and really do serve as an exemplar for what can be achieved for the rest of the scheme and elsewhere across the borough.”
