Category finalists

CATEGORY WINNER: Cross Street South, Bromford Group, Wolverhampton
The Cross Street South scheme has seen a patch of derelict land in Wolverhampton transformed into a complex of 30 low carbon homes that use half as much energy as a standard house. This was achieved through features such as a terraced configuration, which minimised the amount of heat lost through the exterior walls. Heat loss was also controlled through a high level of insulation, both in the walls and the roof, which is made of sedum – or grass. Apart from trapping heat, the sedum roof also absorbs rainwater, minimising run-off and reducing the likelihood of flooding by taking the pressure off public drainage systems during bad weather.

Safe and sustainable community, Redditch Co-op Homes/Accord Housing Group, Redditch
Over 50 Local people were involved in the design of two low carbon housing schemes at Farm Road and Sillins Avenue in Redditch. Covering a mix of different tenures, the 36 homes employ a variety of environmentally friendly construction feature and are believed to be the first properties in the country to achieve level three of the Government’s code for sustainable homes. The homes are now managed through the Redditch Housing Co-operative, all of whose members come from the local community.

The Armouries, Woolwich, London
The redevelopment of this former military base forms part of developer Berkeley Homes and the London Development Agency’s ongoing regeneration of the Royal Arsenal in south-east London. The 453-home development has been fitted with a wide range of energy efficiency and low carbon construction features, including a centralised combined and power unit that provides power, heating and hot water to all residential units. Overall, the development is expected to achieve a 62 per cent improvement in energy performance.