Networked ground-source heat pumps, solar panels, home batteries and smart controls will make the 576-home scheme in Wales exceed the Future Homes Standard.
Barratt Redrow has picked utility specialist GTC to supply the technology and systems it says will make the Cosmeston Farm development in Penarth, south of Cardiff, the UK’s biggest net-zero carbon housing development.
GTC aims to “set a new benchmark for large-scale net-zero carbon housing across the UK”.
With networked ground-source heat pumps, solar panels, home batteries and a “smart” energy monitoring and control system, the 576-home scheme in the Vale of Glamorgan will exceed the Future Homes Standard, keeping energy bills low, it claims.
The development’s energy use will be monitored by capturing data from the equipment and the local electricity network. Cardiff University will review the homes’ performance.
Each house will have a Kensa Shoebox heat pump inside. GTC said shared boreholes draw on stable ground temperatures for consistent year-round performance.
GTC worked with Barratt Redrow on designing the installations from the feasibility stage.
Timber frame built offsite
Half the homes will be affordable, with 219 set to be available for social rent.
The homes will be timber frame, built in Barratt Redrow’s Oregon timber frame factories in the UK.
The company said building more homes offsite would help it cut carbon emissions and waste, as well as mitigating the construction skills shortage.
The development will have a new primary school, open space and an active travel route.
It’s backed by the Welsh government, which sold the land to the developer.
“This isn’t just about building homes, it’s about creating thriving communities and tackling the climate emergency head-on,” said Jayne Bryant, Wales’ cabinet secretary for housing and local government.
“Our net-zero policy is driving real investment and real change in how we build the homes Wales desperately needs.”
Barratt Redrow chief executive David Thomas said Cosmeston Farm would be “an exemplar development and a great place to live, with fantastic community facilities, a strong commitment to affordable housing, and cutting-edge sustainability credentials”.
