VELLUX model home 2020 project gets the go ahead

6 May 2010

VELUX has been granted planning permission by Kettering Borough Council for its pioneering Model Home 2020 project, which involves the build of two zero carbon homes in Rothwell, Kettering.

Located within the second phase of the Bovis Homes Charter Park development, the three and four bed semi detached properties have been designed to deliver a 70% reduction in carbon emissions with the remaining 30% of carbon offset by allowable solutions. The homes will be open plan and incorporate high levels of daylight, natural ventilation and renewable technologies.

VELUX intends the scheme to act as a standard for future sustainable homes and new communities. It has designed the homes to compliment modern lifestyles and substantially reduce carbon emissions while remaining profitable and simple to replicate for the mass housebuilder.

Construction at Rothwell is expected to start in late May and the completed homes will be open to the public for six months, before being sold and becoming the subject of post occupancy performance monitoring to help inform the sustainable housing agenda going forward.

Kevin Brennan, head of sustainability at VELUX Company Ltd, comments: "We are delighted to have been given the go ahead for our pioneering experiment, which should form a benchmark for other sustainable communities and look forward to the Council’s ongoing support."

Cath Harvey, head of development services at Kettering Borough Council, adds: "We are honoured that VELUX has chosen this borough for its exciting zero carbon homes. This builds on the strong green credentials we already have in the borough of Kettering, with our wind-farm and our excellent track-record in delivering environmental friendly homes - including affordable housing. The Planning Committee was unanimous in its enthusiasm for the project and it will continue to be our pleasure to work closely with VELUX to bring this innovative proposal to fruition later this year."

The other major partners for the scheme are HTA Architects, Willmott Dixon and North Northants Development Company (NNDC).

The wider VELUX Model Home 2020 project incorporates plans to build six zero or low carbon buildings in five European countries. The buildings will all reflect and respond to three main principles – efficient energy design, high liveability factor and minimum climatic impact – as well as the different climatic, cultural and architectural conditions of the countries that they are in.

The projects in Denmark (Copenhagen, Aarhus) have already been completed, with the UK, Austria, Germany and France on track to follow this year.

The VELUX ModelHome 2020, designed to what is expected to be the official definition of zero carbon under the new carbon compliance levels and built to Active Living principles.

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