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THE VILLAGE GREEN
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The eco-credentials of Bath’s new builds
ith landfill waste, climate change and the loss of green spaces high on the global agenda, we are all being encouraged to reflect on the choices we make and how they impact on the planet. From the car we drive to the journeys we make and from the food we eat to the packaging it comes in. It makes sense one of the biggest differences we can make is the home we buy. Here we look at three local new developments to learn more about their eco-credentials and over on page 71 talk to the architect Mark Lord, who discusses how the green agenda influences the early stages of planning. BAILBROOK LANE, BATH is a development of two individual contemporary luxury homes being developed by Ashford Homes; www.ashford-homes.co.uk Questions answered by Stuart Morgan, the design and planning director of Ashford Homes
How energy efficient are your new homes?
One of the main benefits of buying a newbuild property is that you are likely to save
money on energy bills, resulting in significant savings in the long run. In our Bailbrook Lane development in Batheaston, both properties have an air-source heat pump which provides a clean way to heat buildings, free of all carbon emissions on site. It makes use of energy in the ambient air to provide an energy-efficient way of heating buildings, meaning they are a great way to cut energy bills for heating the home. Air source heat pumps generate three times as much thermal energy (heat) as is used in electrical energy to drive the system, using far less energy than a traditional boiler. Do you use smart technology?
We offer smart technology with all our homes, with heating and hot water controllable via smartphone, tablet, and remote operation over the internet. The thermostats are engineered to learn from the user and their home, and will know when to keep them comfortable when they are in and save energy while they are out. Your homes have ‘green roofs’. Explain what that means...
At Bailbrook Lane, each home has been
meticulously designed and crafted for modern day living with large, light-filled rooms housed under a sedum green roof. There are many benefits to a sedum roof at economic, ecological and societal levels. A green roof provides a rainwater buffer, reduces the ambient temperature and regulates the indoor temperature. Additionally, they create a natural habitat for flora and fauna and aid biodiversity, encouraging a wider spread of species in the area. Butterflies are particularly attracted to sedum. The roofs improve air quality as vegetation assists in filtering out both gaseous pollutants and dust particles. Furthermore, they aid in reducing the building’s carbon footprint through lowering building running costs. And what about the homes’ location?
The properties are surrounded by a wildflower meadow, enhancing the landscape character and increasing habitat diversity. Groups of native species shrubs have been positioned to break up views from the top of the lane while still affording wider panoramic views. Additionally, native shrubs have been planted along the boundaries to enhance biodiversity and provide an ecology corridor for wildlife. Bailbrook Lane in Beatheaston is being developed by Ashford Homes
68 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
