An insulation installation business is venturing into residential construction with the launch of what is said to be an innovative concept in “affordable” eco-housing.
SCIS Group, based in Hampshire, has outlined its ambition to create a range of high quality homes that are “beautifully designed to be as affordable and environmentally friendly as possible”.
Now the company has received planning permission to build two three-bedroom homes in Gosport, Hampshire, offering the opportunity to put its ideas into practice.
These properties will form part of a pilot scheme that aims to prove that affordable homes can be built to include innovative design features and incorporate a wide range of energy efficient technologies that help contribute to the UK’s net zero targets.
Nic Gillanders, chair of the SCIS Group said: “The team at SCIS has been meticulously planning this project for some time and we’re really pleased and excited to launch the pilot in Gosport. The need for more affordable homes across the country is well documented, as is the importance of ensuring that future housing is built with energy efficiency in mind.”
The company says it has ensured these homes will meet the eco credentials outlined in their initial plans, promising that they reach an EPC ‘A’ rating, emit low carbon emissions, and cost as little as £50 per month in energy bills.
To meet these objectives, each property will incorporate a wide range of the latest energy efficient systems, including: Air source heat pumps; solar panels; insulation; ventilation systems; rainwater recycling; hot water recovery/recycling; underfloor heating; and energy efficient windows and doors.
SCIS has worked with architects to create what is said to be a radical design and layout for the properties, which will step away from the traditional layout of a typical British home.
Energy efficiency will be at the forefront of the design that incorporates bedrooms on the ground floor and the living space on the first floor to make the most of the natural light on offer.
Architects have paid close attention to the rooftop, which will be fragmented into five sections with skylight windows on one side and solar panels incorporated into the other. Time and attention to detail will go into making sure the solar panels are positioned “perfectly” to obtain the maximum amount of energy from the sun, as well as making use of roof glazing to reduce the need to use energy to light and heat the property during the day.
Despite incorporating radical designs and featuring a wide range of energy efficient systems that will need to be expertly installed, SCIS claims that construction time for the properties will take the same amount of time to build a standard three bedroom home.
Gillanders added: “Our pilot scheme aims to prove that it’s possible for developers to build high quality homes that are affordable and feature the latest technology to make them more environmentally friendly, without increasing the amount of time to construct when compared to a traditional three bedroom home.
“These homes are more than just a commitment to sustainability; they are a practical example of how eco-homes can truly be the future of construction. By integrating cutting-edge energy-saving technologies with cost-effective building practices, we aim to prove that sustainable living is within everyone’s reach.
“We’re eager to showcase these homes and gather the insights needed to scale up this initiative. Our ultimate goal is to develop more eco-homes and set a new standard for how homes should be built—efficiently, affordably, and with the environment in mind.”
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