6010 LITERATURE

REVIEW

WHAT

OPPORTUNITIES TO MINIMIZE ENERGY USE AND

PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE LIVING ARISES THROUGH THE REDEVELOPMENT OF A VICTORIAN TERRACED STREET.

LJMU

Rebecca Cook-Griffiths

Word Count 6,333

1) Introduction
1.1) How housing is effecting the UK

2) The concept of energy efficient, sustainable lifestyle

2.1) Building for a sustainable community

3) Introducing the Welsh Streets

3.1) Demolition or Refurbishment?

4) The Design process

4.1) Construction 4.2) Community systems 4.3) Further measures

5) Conclusion 6) Appendix
6.1) Welsh Streets Renovation 6.2) Living in the Welsh Streets

7) References

to 2050 the human race will have 4 times the environmental impact on the planet (Edwards, 2005) consequently this will lead to a higher Sustainable lifestyles are patterns of action and consumption, used by people to affiliate and differentiate themselves from others, which; meet basic needs, provide a better quality of life, minimise the use of natural resources and emissions of waste and pollutants over the lifecycle, and do not jeopardise the needs of future generations. (CSD, 2004) demand on resources, a greater impact on the environment and an increase in fuel prices. The WWFs Living Planet Report (2004) confirms that humanity is consuming over 20% more natural resources than the earth can regenerate, this suggests that the human race has been in ecological overshoot with an annual demand on resources exceeding that which the earth can restore each year. Action by Architects and designers is essential to meet Energy consumption is a central topic in the quest for sustainability. The burning of fossil fuels to heat, light and ventilate buildings is responsible for half of all energy use worldwide (Edwards, 2005.) In the UK, the main sources of CO2 emissions are; Heating lighting and ventilation Building construction Transportation Industry, agriculture Addressing these issues can be achieved by the use of more intelligent technologies, greater respect for natural resources and a shift from non-renewable resource exploitation to self-sustaining renewable practices. This study will look at how the redesign of a terraced street, with focus on sustainable community living, can make a significant contribution to the creation of more sustainable habitats and reduce adverse ecological impacts. the challenge of satisfying rising energy expectations and encourage the use of renewable energy as opposed to oil and gas. The promotion of using renewable energy presents a solution which does not damage human health, impose on the environment or threaten our natural systems.

(DirectGov, n.d)

Fig 1-Structure of total greenhouse gas emissions (EEA, 2007) Figure 1 shows that the production of electricity and heat produces the largest amount of CO2 emissions. It is estimated that from 2000

contribution to sustainability. If the acceptability of sustainable design in buildings is established then the sustainable design of There is an emerging consensus that a more sustainable approach to our environment is required. The way in which housing is built, maintained and the general lifestyle of the occupier has a considerable impact on the environment. According to an analysis from the European Environment Agency (2007) home energy use is accountable overall for 25% of energy related greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. When compared in terms of energy use, houses in the UK performed poorly, consuming up to 10 times the energy usage of other houses built elsewhere in Europe. As our cities become more urbanised, with over half the human population now living in cities with over 1 million people (Population reference bureau, 2012) we are beginning to consume, waste and pollute more. As Richard Rodgers (1995) suggested in his Reith lectures; Ecological problems that face our cities are intertwined with social ones; they both have a common source. The cities are rich, multifaceted places which offer private pleasures but also the chance for public life and a spectrum of opportunities in between. The problem is that for too long individual interests and above all the search for short term profit have over ridden the needs for the broader community. Anyone who has lived in a modern city will be familiar with the affects that this has had. He proposes that , It has lead to the segregation of activities, the promotion of the car, and the spread of the city onto the countryside, the encouragement of inefficient and hostile architecture and the neglect of the public realm.
Fig 2-Ecological footprints by world regions (2008)

cities will inevitably follow, this agenda has been widely adopted by architects such as Michael Hopkins, Richard Rodgers, Norman Foster and Nicholas Grimshaw.

Figure two shows that North America and Europe have the highest global footprints. These stresses on the environment will unavoidably lead to rising temperatures, illnesses caused by air pollution and contaminated water, food shortages and energy scarcity (Victor, 2009.) The objective of this report is to explore the ideas of sustainable design and apply it to developing a sustainable community within an existing district clearly deprived and in need of retrofit. It will investigate the wide range of different building fabrics and technologies required to create a space which is healthy, economically viable and remain sensitive to social needs.

As an element of the city, the design of individual buildings; for example an individual terraced house, can make an important

Sustainable Development

A focus on sustainable lifestyles looks at the environmental consequences of everything we purchase and consume in our daily lives. Sustainable living is essentially the application of sustainability to lifestyle choices and decisions. In an interview with Greg Ross (2006) Lester R. Brown, a prominent environmentalist and founder of the Worldwatch Institute and Earth Policy Institute, states that the fossil fuel-based, automobile-centered, throwaway economy [needs to be replaced] with one that is powered by renewable sources of energy, that has a much more diversified transport system and that reuses and recycles virtually everything. Sustainable design and sustainable development are important factors in encouraging sustainable living; UN Documents (1987) defined sustainable development as, development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The concept of sustainable development generates several sub-definitions relevant to building design. These sub-definitions show the value of merging key aspects in reference to specific topics, such as building types, services or level of development (Edwards, 2005) Sustainable development key issues; Environment all resources Futurity our collective future
Sustainable Design

Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable Materials

Sustainable Construction

Education for Sustainability

Fig 3 Sustainable Development framework (Smith. P 2002) Sustainable design describes a design philosophy that values the natural environment as an integral factor in creating new products or modifying old ones (Corey Freed, 2008.) The target of sustainable design is to eliminate negative environmental impacts through skilful and sensitive design (McLennan, 2004.) Sustainable design can be seen as a general reaction to global warming, aiming at controlling the effects of growing populations, depletion of natural resources, damage to ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. The practical application of sustainable design can include choosing non toxic, sustainably produced or recycled materials which require little energy to produce, creating long lasting and better functioning designs that will have to be replaced less frequently and also the use of energy efficient manufacturing.
Energy

Ecology

Environment

Equity sharing across generations

Fig 4 Sustainability framework

The UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janerio (1992) formalised a plan to jointly address the imperatives of ecology, environment and energy, until then Energy had been the main cause of concern, however the Rio agreement effectively widened the environmental debate to bring all resources into the frame. This broadening picture influenced the reconsideration of priorities between energy, other environmental resources and the ecological systems which hold them together. The agreements in Rio developed a framework for assessing the ecological footprint of buildings. This in turn causes architects to consider other environmental issues and think about the impact buildings have on the greater ecology. Edwards (2005) highlighted the main issues surrounding Energy, Environment and Ecology and gave a brief description how they could be improved; Energy Move from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources Employ low energy design See the building as a generator of energy Consider all energy uses Heat recovery Use orientation to reduce energy load Consider embodied energy and energy in use

Restore land and buildings as part of development process

Ecology

Avoid pollution through design Design for durability, flexibility and recycling Design for health, comfort and safety

Choice of materials Link design systems to ecological systems Recycling of waster Maximise diversity from minimum resources Use development to extend or create natural habitats Use planting for shelter and energy efficiency.

The agreements made at the Rio Earth Summit suggest that to maintain a sustainable lifestyle there needs to be a balance of the three agendas rather than just aiming to achieve one aspect at the expense of others. This in turn should lead to a more environmentally friendly response to sustainable living and architectural design.

Environment Consider broad environmental impact Resource conservation

how the government planned to tackle the need for more affordable housing and improve the quality of urban and rural neighbourhoods. "This plan will take us towards successful, thriving and inclusive communities, urban and rural, across England. Communities that will stand the test of time and in which people want to live," (Prescot, 2003) This report widened the framework for sustainable development and identified key requirements of a sustainable community, from this John Egan (2004) expanded the idea and came up with a clear definition; Sustainable communities are places where people want to live and work, now and in the future. They meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, are sensitive to their environment, and contribute to a high quality of life. They are safe and inclusive, well planned, built and run, and offer a range of opportunity and Fig 4 Components of sustainable communities (10) Egan (2004) describes sustainable communities as a community that puts focus on sustainable values considers the diverse needs of existing and future residence, contributing to a high quality of life and presents opportunities to live sustainably without foregoing home comforts. A sustainable community shares a common goal rooted in respect for both the environment and human nature and uses a range of technology, design and practice in an appropriate way to serve these resources. He suggests that in effect this approach to sustainable living can be used to enhance the environment, promote social cohesion and support economic prosperity. good services for all. In 2007 the UK government produced a Sustainable Communities Act (Department for Communities and local government, 2007) The Act aims to promote the sustainability of local communities beginning with the concept that local people know whats best for their community and understand what it takes to promote sustainable living in their area. It also understands that to aid this there needs help from a central government. The Act is designed to strengthen the role of communities; generating a process whereby ideas generated by local communities are fed though local authorities to the central government who then decide which proposals should be implemented. The Egan Review - Skills for Sustainable Communities (2004) defines the skills needed to help deliver the vision and aims of the

The importance of sustainable communities was first expressed in 2003 by the then prime minister John Prescot, he devised a report; (Sustainable communities: Building for the future, 2003) explaining

Sustainable Communities Act. The review suggests that generic skills such as behaviour and knowledge are just as important as the technical skills of planning, architecture and surveying. These generic skills include; Governance of communities Economic planning Communication Risk taking Leadership and partnership

In short the plan aims at developing decent, affordable homes, a diverse and inclusive community, access to jobs and services, and the chance to engage in and make a difference to a community in which people want to live and work, now and tomorrow.

Toxteth is a district within Liverpool which is full of contrast; there are around 400 large Victorian and Georgian houses reflecting part of the district which was much favoured by the wealthy merchants of Liverpool, (Liverpool Preservation Trust, 2011) however most parts are clearly deprived with rows of terraced houses boarded up. The Welsh streets are very well located, close to two beautiful public parks. The City Centre is easily accessible by local transport systems. Being the birthplace of musician Ringo Starr (Liverpool Echo, 2011) the Welsh Streets have become a popular landmark but despite dating back to the 18th century the streets have been condemned for demolition due to being in such poor conditions and allegedly beyond rescue. The area has become a focus of a national debate around housing policy. LCC NRA, Consultation Records (2005) show that 388 people, some of whom live/lived on the Welsh Streets are against demolition with only 91 for. The clear majority are against demolition and would much prefer to see the historic houses renovated. The HMRI scheme is responsible for condemning the buildings (Bourne 2007) along with a proposed 400,000 other buildings around the midlands and North England, however funding for the scheme was

cut leaving the Welsh Street houses boarded up and abandoned. Currently Merseyside has 13 thousand empty homes and 23 thousand seeking housing (Welsh Streets, n.d.) The Welsh street houses consist of two bed Victorian terraces, four and five bed Townhouses and some three bed 1950s houses, the majority of the Victorian houses have retained their two up two down layout, some of the Town houses had been converted into apartments and the 1950s houses remained the same. However, the majority of the houses have been stripped of all content, plumbing and fittings (The Edward Finch Partnerhip, 2008.)

Figure 5 shows the main building elements and the percentage of energy lost without insulation, typical of that in an un-insulated Housing demand and its environmental impact generate a substantial debate. Housing is a troublesome issue for many reasons: The need for more affordable supply The high cost of land and construction Shortcomings in energy performance The need for basic repair and energy upgrading of millions of existing homes. (Power and Mumford, 1999) Since 2003 the UK government has used demolition as a tool for reconstructing housing markets to suit modern conditions, it is usually only required to demolish unwanted and un repairable houses. While demolition is a common feature in regeneration, it imposes severe costs both on the communities that are targeted for regeneration and on the wider urban environment (Power 1993.) Removing run down houses in run down areas would seem obvious in terms of sustainability as in their current state their energy performance is very low. It would be possible to conclude that only extreme dereliction justifies such high social, environmental and economic costs. The retention and upgrading of existing homes would help meet todays housing need and protect more vulnerable communities, having a less damaging effect on the local environment. Upgrading the energy performance of homes offers immediate benefits, particularly to disadvantaged communities. It also expands the potential for providing additional homes in existing communities while saving energy, land and materials. Victorian terrace house. However demolition is costly; costing up to twice as much as the cost of refurbishment (Rodger Tym & Partners, 2005). It can cause knock on effects on local business and neighbouring homes, as areas where homes are proposed for demolition do not attract investments and are usually undesirable. Demolition also proposes a significant effect on the environment through the transportation of materials, impact on landfill sites and pollution created in the process of demolition and re building (Power & Houghton 2007.)

The design of the Victorian terraced houses as they stand in the Welsh Streets usually have a very poor energy performance due to the lack of insulation, however the current design makes them relatively easy to renovate because of their simple, rudimentary form.

English Heritage (2006) is currently working to preserve and restore Fig 5 Typical building heat loss without insulation (IQ Energy Services n.d) older properties. It has demonstrated the advantages of restoring

10

older houses and has overcome criticisms that these older buildings are not energy efficient due to their design and listing. At a community level English Heritage cements the importance of protecting terraced streets and neighbourhoods as part of its wider role in preserving our built heritage.

Evidence from a study carried out by The Building Research Establishment (BRE, 2009) shows that terraced housing can be reasonably cheap to repair and cheaper to maintain than a new build, requiring considerably less materials and therefore less embodied energy. It suggests that by restoring old bricks, beams and other structural elements the repair costs can remain reasonably low. The study produced well insulated terraced houses and the potential for less energy use, providing benefits for both the community and the environment.

In all but the most extreme cases, refurbishment seems to be both cheaper and beneficial to the community and environment than demolition and new build. Refurbishment produces many clear advantages, providing a positive impact on the neighbourhood in terms of investment and protecting local history. It is also far quicker than the demolition and rebuild of new homes and is far less disruptive to local residents.

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overcome this the building needs to be well insulated and draught sealed. With adequate ventilation, comfortable temperatures can be The Sustainable Development Commission (SDC, 2006) demonstrated the feasibility of upgrading existing buildings to a high energy performance standard by addressing the use of energy, water and construction materials and the treatment of waste products. Findings show that to achieve maximum energy efficiency and reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions basic elements such as roofs, walls, floors, windows and heating systems need to be addressed. Thermal insulation in a building is an important factor in providing comfort for the buildings occupier. The building needs to have the right balance of humidity and ventilation, usually these healthy environments include natural light sources and the right use of ventilation and materials. (Smith. P 2004) Insulation materials differ in thermal efficiency and properties such as fire resistance and ozone depleting potential. There are three main categories of insulation material; (Save your Energy, n.d.) 1. Inorganic, mineral based 2. Organic synthetic, derived from oil Figure 6 Home improvements for energy efficiency (SDC, 2006 P.33) The official standard for warmth in a living room is 21 degrees and in other rooms 18 degrees (Department of health, 2007.) About 25% of homes in the UK achieve these levels. A government house condition survey (2008) for England found that when outside temperatures fell to 4 degrees; 50% of owner occupied homes 62% of council homes 95% of private rented apartment 3. Natural organic, derived from animals and plants Inorganic, mineral based come in two forms; fibre or cellular structure. Fibre structures include rock wool and glass wool. The material is vapour and air permeable however moisture can build up in the insulant over time reducing its insulating value. It can also cause skin irritations, it has also been suggested that this material constitute a cancer risk. Cellular structures include cellular glass and vermiculite. Cellular glass is manufactured from natural materials with over 40% being recycled glass. It is impermeable to water vapour and waterproof, non combustible, vermin-proof and has high compressive strength. Vermiculite has a high insulation value, resistant to decay, odourless and non-irritant. Organic/synthetic insulants are restricted to cellular structure, some examples are; EPS maintained using less energy.

failed to reach the minimum standard. In most homes heat escaped very easily through floors, chimneys, walls, roofs and windows, to

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(expanded polystyrene) which is rigid, flame retardant non toxic, vapour resistant plastic insulation. XPS (extruded polystyrene) which is a closed cell insulant that is water and vapour tight. PIR (polyissocyanurate) this is a cellular plastic foam which is vapour tight and available CFC and HCFC free. In general, cellular materials do not pose a health risk and there are no special insulation requirements. They are all also free from CFCs and HCFCs. Natural/organic insulants consists of fibre structures such as Cellulose which is primarily manufactured from recycled newspapers which are then constructed into fibres, boards or batts and treated with fire retardant and pesticides. Sheep wool can also be used as long as it has been treated with boron and a fire retardant. Straw can also be used for wall insulation due to its high thermal efficiency. Hemp is a highly eco friendly material that grows without needing pesticides and doesnt produce any toxins. Initial test have used hemp as a building material mixed with lime and used like concrete. Roofs and Loft A poorly insulated home looses approximately 25% of its heat through the roof making it one of the most cost effective places to insulate (fig 5). The choice of insulation will differ depending on whether the space is a cold loft or warm loft (NBS, 2008.) In cold lofts where the space in inhabited insulation is attached between and above the floor joists, and around water tanks and pipes. In this case fibre based insulants are most appropriate such as glass wool, rock wool, cellulose and sheep wool. However if there is a risk of moisture infiltration organic synthetic insulants would suffice. For a warm loft where the space is used for storage or it is inhabited cellular insulants should be used, either mineral or organic/synthetic. The insulant is applied to the roof of the loft, in between the roof rafters

then covered with plasterboard. In the case of inhabited lofts in most situations it is necessary to insert a vapour barrier between the insulation and the plasterboard internal finish.

Insulation positioned over joists

Insulation positioned between joists

Fig 7 Loft insulation for Welsh Streets As the Welsh Street houses stand, the roofs are in bad condition and in need of repair (Grove. K 2008,) although it would be sustainable to try and reuse the existing tiles, in terms of energy efficiency Solar Sunslates will be added which in turn could cover 60-80% of the houses electrical needs (Smith. P 2004.) The original tiles can be reused on other areas of the community or sold to provide for houses elsewhere. Sunslates are an advanced photovoltaic product. Sunslates take the place of traditional roof tiles, therefore fitting seamlessly in to the building design.

Fig 8 Example of Sunslates (World Technology Corporation, 2008)

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Interior and exterior walls Three materials meet the British Standard for cavity wall insulation; (Energy Savings Trust, 2012.) 1. Mineral Wool 2. Beads or Granules 3. Foamed Insulants Cavity Wall Insulation works by blowing the insulation in to the cavity through holes in the wall approximately 20mm thick and 1.3m apart. Rock wool and Glass wool are the most popular of the materials, due to the durability and ability to remain resistant to moisture damage. A survey carried out by Kelvin Grove (2008) confirmed that the majority of the Welsh Street houses are solid brickwork. There are two ways of insulating solid external walls; cladding the exterior of the insulation consists of fixing insulation to the plasterboard with a skim coat of plaster or plaster applied to metal lathing.

Both options would mean the exterior or interior of the building will be modified. With External cladding, extended guttering may be necessary to accommodate the extra wall width. Windows and doors may also need to be replaced or modified to avoid cold bridges at openings and cover the window and door reveals. The benefits of such cladding include; the protection of the walls of the building, ensuring a longer life. The structure is stabilised preventing due to thermal expansion and a significant improvement in comfort levels throughout the building. (Smith. P 2004.) To build a solid external wall up to Building Regulation standards 90mm of internal insulation would be required meaning the internal insulation space would be reduced. (Smith. P 2002) The consequences of this would mean moving all skirting and electrical sockets and possibly the relocation of windows and doors. However party walls would not need this amount of insulation but may benefit from it; not only would it conserve warmth but it would also reduce noise transmission. (Energy Savings Trust, 2012.)

3 4 5 67 8

Flooring Heat loss from flooring is approximately 15%, insulation could effectively reduce this and also save up to 100kg-240kg of CO2 a year. (Energy Savings Trust 2012.) The most common method is to

1. Existing wall 3. Rock wool 5. Mesh 7. Anti-crack mortar

2. Polymer adhesive 4. Anti-crack mortar 6. Anchor nail 8. Finish coat

insulate between the floor joists. Many new build homes have solid concrete flooring, in which case the insulation material is laid on top of the slab. Insulation would be applied to all downstairs areas however rooms above heated spaces may not require insulation. The Welsh street houses currently have their original flooring which means insulation between the floor boards could be applied(Grove. K 2008,) however as the walls are being insulated from the inside

Fig 9 Example of Solid Wall Insulation. (Energy Saving solutions 2012.)

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and underfloor heating is going to applied to the downstairs areas insulation will be laid on top of the floorboards, in-between the underfloor heating system and the floorboards.

dust, it's ideal for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. It is extremely sustainable as it can be used in the home without having to cut down any trees - cork can be harvested from the same tree for a period of around two hundred years. Low VOC paints will be used

1 2 3 4 5

to limit exposure to harsh chemicals, and natural wool fibre carpets will be used in the bedrooms. Ventilation Due to the air tightness of the buildings Air vents have been added to provide stack ventilation in the summer months, they can be mechanically opened and the heat is pulled up through the centre of

1. Laminate/Wood floor 3. Underfloor heating 5. Original flooring

2.Polyester vapour barrier 4. Thermal Insulation

the house via the staircase, taking advantage of the fact that heat rises naturally, and out through the top. The occupant does however have the option of natural ventilation through the windows and doors.

Fig 10 Example of flooring for the Welsh Streets. (Flexel, n.d.) Windows and doors The current location of the windows and doors will hopefully be retained. As they stand, they provide enough daylight and provide natural ventilation to the required areas. The original windows will be replaced with triple glazed windows making sure the property remains air tight. Materials To keep costs down and remain sustainable many of the original materials will be reused and renovated to create a more sustainable home. The additions to the interiors will be cork flooring. Cork is a durable natural product that absorbs sound, provides thermal insulation, and is warm and comfortable under foot (Urbaneliving, 2010.) Since it's resistant to bacteria and fungus, and doesn't absorb Water and rain water collection Rain water harvesting systems can reduce demand for mains water and relieve pressure on available supplies. Reducing the volume of mains water supplied means less water is taken from lakes, rivers Fig 11 Stack Ventilation design for The Welsh Streets

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and aquifers and more is left to benefit ecosystems and help sustain the water environment. (UK Rainwater Harvesting Association, 2004.)

Solar Panels Solar powered flowers have been designed for the communal outside areas. These will provide intelligent outdoor lighting when required. It collects its own energy throughout the day from the sun and releases it when required in the evening. The LED street lamps feature motion sensors that are triggered once the sun sets by individuals walking in close proximity to the light. This also conserves its energy. The flowers also provide shade for people to sit under and provide a welcoming appearance.

Fig 11 - Average amount of water used per household in the UK. (The Greenhouse Trust, 2012) An underground rain water harvesting system will be added to the Welsh Streets design, collecting rain water from the roofs to provide all non-potable water to the houses for; All outdoor use Toilets Washing machines Fig 13 Solar Flower. (Inhabit, 2012)

Low flush toilets and taps will also be added to the design to produce a more sustainable home Waste Community composting and recycling measures will be available in the community garden. Recycling helps to preserve recourses and reduce waste however it may be possible to recover some waste and use it for gardening uses which is why the composting bins are important. These can be used for the shrubs, lawn and soil which will be particularly useful in The Welsh Streets for the fruit and vegetable patch and newly landscaped outdoor areas. Fig 12 - Typical rain water harvesting system. ( The Greenhouse trust, 2012.)

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Transport Frequent bus links and safe cycling routes are an important aspect in maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. The Welsh Streets will be fitted with bus stops that include live feeds of bus times. Updated cycling and walking information and a shared car club links. Improved public transport and increased pedestrian routes will inevitably reduce car emissions and develop a more sustainable community.

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through the collaboration of physical, social and cultural factors. Effective sustainable housing needs to establish economic prosperity Sustainability is increasingly becoming the greatest design issue in Architecture in the 21 Century. There are key ideas strengthening the proposal of sustainable design such as; using ecology as a system, broadening the idea of sustainability far beyond simply saving energy and the importance of combining community and technology systems within the sustainability concept. These issues introduce architects and designers to the idea of reusing and recycling and develop ideas to reduce the demands made on the environment and recover the effects already made by pollution and waste. What Richard Rodgers and Anne Power recognize in their powerful book Cities for a Small Country (2002) is the role that urban patterns play in supplying the basic criteria for sustainable cities. Every aspect of housing and design such as; the house, street, garden, terrace, apartment block, park, pavilion etcetera; are all passed down to future generations, therefore there is a colossal importance in recognising how valuable these existing buildings are and redeveloping methods in which to make them more sustainable. The answer to a more sustainable future depends on the acceptance of new low energy systems being transferred to existing buildings and designing new buildings with the essence of high environmental and ecological imperatives. In conclusion many unused buildings stand with functioning windows, walls and roofs and it is these buildings which can be sustainably modified using green technologies and practices developed though new construction. The efficient use of resources, particularly energy, corresponds with creating robust, healthy communities. Sustainable housing is more than just determining sustainable physical attributes, it will only be successful stimulate social cohesion and enhance personal, communal and global health.

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2 Bedroom
Ground Floor Dimensions Kitchen
Kitchen Living room Study

3334x3270 3334x3916 2450x3336

Living Room Study

First Floor Dimensions

Bed 2 Bed 1

Bed 1 Bed 2
Bathroom

4280x3465 2810x3916 2450x3336

Bathroom

Specifications
General Kitchen Underfloor Heating Cork Flooring downstairs Low VOC paints 100% wool carpets upstairs Triple glazed windows Low flush toilets and taps Community rain water harvesting system for outdoor use PV Sunslates Bathroom Low flow shower heads Lecico Bathroom suite in white Compact florescent lighting Terrazzo Counter tops AlterECO Bamboo cabinets

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6 7 8 3 9 4

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Landscape gardens Community rain water harvesting system Thermal store Mechanically operated stack ventilation system Low water usage bathroom fittings Sunslates Roof insulated with Sheep Wool Triple Glazed windows Garden Backing on to community space

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Community Living The design of the Welsh Streets allows for the new residence to work together in a neighbourhood that it great to live in and remains sensitive to the surrounding environment. The development allows for community gardening, socialising and recycling. Sheltered bike sheds allow for the promotion of using fewer cars and in turn less fuel. Homes in the Welsh Streets are designed to be extremely well insulated so they are naturally warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The homes include a range of features which allow the occupant to have control over the heating and ventilation at their pleasure. The homes include a range of features which allow the occupant to have control over the heating and ventilation at their pleasure. The idea behind The Welsh Streets is to create homes that are respectful towards the environment but remain easy and cheap to run. Importance lies on the development as a whole rather than the individual houses; to allow people to have more environmentally friendly and satisfying lives: to walk or cycle, rather than drive; to share lifts or join a car club; to grow their own food and to co-exist happily with their natural surroundings and above all their neighbours and the community as a whole.

3 1 5 2

1) Sheltered bike shed

2) Shared vegetable patch

3) Solar flowers

4) Shared Garden 5) Socialising spaces

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