Â鶹´«Ã½

Cornwall Council Housing Development Programme

The Cornwall Council Housing Development Programme is setting a pathway to net zero carbon development of affordable homes. Located on greenfield and brownfield sites across Cornwall and funded by Cornwall Council's investment programme, these new communities have sustainability, affordability, communal space, and health and well-being at the forefront of the design. Initial projects include schemes at Tolvaddon and Bodmin, with larger developments planned for Trevithick Farm, Link Road, and Tolgus Farm. They engaged us to help.

Working in partnership with Mace Ward Williams Joint Venture for Treveth Holdings, our multidisciplinary engineering and energy teams have led the project¡¯s wide range of services. We developed structural engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering, and smart energy solutions. Our work included energy and thermal modelling and concept design development. Looking at different renewable energy options, we considered communal ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, mine water source heat pumps, and solar photovoltaics (PV). As part of the planning process, our MEP team conducted external lighting and utilities assessments, and the lighting design was sensitive to the local ecology on the greenfield sites.

Our smart energy solution for the houses uses a fabric-first approach. Insulation and air tightness help reduce heating demand. Local air source heat pumps provide heating and hot water to each home. Underfloor heating, elements of thermal mass, and natural ventilation optimise the indoor air quality and thermal comfort throughout the year. A roof-mounted solar PV array will help to further reduce carbon emissions. Our transport team designed shared spaces for pedestrians and cyclists as well as motorists.

When complete, these new developments will bring a sense of community and healthful living to Cornwall residents for years to come.