Pioneering eco-energy scheme could shape future

Waterloo Housing Association has received GBP156,900 to provide cutting-edge 'sun spaces' on homes being built at its Brandwood End site in Kings Heath.

It follows an energy efficiency study of new homes across the region.

The exciting project was given the go-ahead after receiving Neighbourhood Renewal Fund from the City Housing Partnership.

Properties in Sunderton Road will be the focus of the sun space initiative, designed by Axis Design Collective.

The project involves designing and constructing eight sun spaces on a mixture of homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale.

The two-storey glass features are designed to reduce heat loss and heating costs for residents.

They will improve the warmth of the property, improve the efficiency of heat-recovery ventilation, and even pre-heat the water supply to boilers and showers.

Maximising the use of renewable energy, they also reduce fossil fuel consumption, and so cut greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

The homes on Sunderton Road have been selected because their backs face south-west and will gain heat from the low spring and winter sun.

However, if successful, the trail-blazing scheme could be extended to other new Waterloo properties and adopted by other housing associations across the country.

Lisa Johnson, Waterloo's Assistant Development and Regeneration Manager said: "We are delighted to have secured funding for this pioneering project which shows our commitment to saving residents money on heating bills, and producing new homes which are energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable".

"The extra floor space provided by the sun spaces will also give residents opportunities for home working, and greater space for children to do their homework.

What's more, for lovers of sunlight, it will save them having to build a conservatory!.

"We will be closely monitoring the success of the pilot over the next three years, and the findings could influence future house-building policy nationally".

The GBP17 million regeneration of Brandwood End over five years is a partnership between Waterloo Housing Association, Birmingham City Council and local residents.

A vibrant urban village is being created with 250 new homes and a strong emphasis on community involvement.

The development is due to be completed in spring 2009.

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