18/10/2010 - Council works with local builders on eco-friendly construction

The Council has teamed up with EnviroHomes – part of building firm Roland Hill Aspatria – on the construction of a “zero carbon” science and sixth form block for a school near Hexham in Northumberland.

The innovative structure is being manufactured completely off site at the firm’s Brayton Domain factory before it is transported to the school and assembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle.

Designers will explain the techniques behind the efficient building practice – where the heavily insulated walls and roof are assembled in the factory to keep costs and the carbon footprint down – to inspire others in the industry at an open day tomorrow (19 October) from 2pm to 6pm.

Councillor Margaret Jackson, Allerdale Borough Council’s Executive member with responsibility for Building Control, said: “This partnership with EnviroHomes is a great leap forward in our bid to make Allerdale a cleaner and greener community.

“The partnership scheme between businesses and the local authority is designed to help firms operating in multiple locations nationwide to develop a close working relationship with a preferred council for advice on building regulations, plans appraisal and site inspections. This scheme helps to simplify and speed up the building process, generating substantial savings in time and money.

“It also offers the Council an opportunity to have an early input into the development and design of new properties; incorporating innovative construction methods, sustainable materials and featuring renewable energy solutions.”

The highly-insulated building features triple glazed windows, an air source heat pump and adaptable lighting systems. The condition of the school building is displayed on a large LCD monitor – this will be used to educate and make the students and teachers aware of how the building is performing at various weather conditions and seasonal changes.

Chris Hill, Managing Director of Roland Hill Ltd and a Director of EnviroHomes, said: “This is a very forward looking building and represents how the future could look. We are exceptionally proud to be involved with the design, manufacture and installation of the building. It just confirms that we have the cutting edge technology and people to deliver exemplary buildings”

Allerdale Borough Council has also been involved with the Workington-based firm Adaptahaus with the prototype of its factory-built eco-home, to be shown on Channel 4’s Grand Designs programme later this month.

It is hoped that growing interest in both initiatives will result in nationwide orders for similar developments, bringing investment into local industries.