The total cost of the project is expected to be GBP4.5 million ($6.9 million approx.). Under this scheme, Lovell will construct, affordable homes built to Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, the system for measuring the sustainable performance of new housing.
The Level 3 and 4 homes will have solar water heating panels while the Level 6 homes will have photovoltaic panels. Rainwater harvesting systems – which allow rainwater to be recycled for uses such as flushing toilets – will be installed in the Level 4 and 6 homes and in eight of the other properties. The Level 4 and 6 properties will also have mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems, which work by recycling ‘wasted’ heat from kitchen and bathroom areas which is used to warm fresh air from outside.
The development will take place at the Thelbridge Road in Longbridge, Birmingham, and would see the creation of 48 new houses and apartments. Out of these, 28 are for affordable rent and 20 for shared ownership. The homes would feature 42 two, three- and four-bedroom houses and six two-bedroom apartments. About 44 of the new homes will achieve Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Two homes are slated to be built to Level 4 of the Code and two will be zero-carbon properties, achieving Level 6.
The company will employ modern methods of construction in this project which includes the use of thin joint mortar construction system. This allows quicker construction with a quality standard.
The scheme is the final phase of GBP17.1 million ($26.2 million approx.) development of the former Nimmings Farm Estate. The construction work will start at the end of April 2010 and would reach completion by June 2011.
