Design philosophy

To design an exciting cohousing community in a town centre location. To re-use an existing derelict building. To make the building energy saving and an exciting light space in which to live. 6 of the flats will have duplex lofts flooded with light from Velux roof windows. 2 flats will have an opening roof  balcony and a 3rd will have a conventional balcony. Our overwhelming challenge for housing is to make our existing stock of buildings energy saving. In 30 years 75% of our building will still be Victorian or earlier. 
Each flat has these green features:

• Each Flat with be Eco Excellent. An EPC (Energy Performance) rating A. This is very unusual and maybe the first for a Victorian conversion and  retrofit flats.
• Heat recovery ventilation system - these are 85% efficient. They prevent heat loss.
  
• Re-used original victorian windows, re-furbished and retrofitted with double glazing and triple glazing.
• high levels of both thermal and sound insulation. This makes the flats and common house easy and cheap to heat, private and quiet. Flats are separated by double party walls and double ceilings.
• Farrow and Ball breathable paint, Oak Victorian style stained glass front doors.
• Solid maple flooring throughout, flat 3 has original stripped pine floors.
• Triple glazing on 35 Velux roof windows U value of 1 w/m2K, triple gazing large shop windows and Ultralite double glazing on original Victorian windows.
• The architect was Peter Holmes and the site manager and wonderful carpenter was Blue (Anthony Price). Both had worked on Springhill and Lansdown Cohousing.
• Kitchens have induction hobs, boilers are 95% efficient gas condensing, anti-flood devices in each flat.
• 12.5 KWp of Photo-voltaic panels will provide each flat with some free electricity during most days.
• All the flats have 1 bedroom. 6 of the flats are able to enclose part of the loft areas to make a 2nd or even 3rd small bedroom.
• Each flat will have internal access to the huge common house. No need to go outside in the cold and rain to get to the sauna, dining room etc.
• Lastly but most importantly is the communal part of Cohousing. This is the most energy saving of all. Sharing meals means less waste, cheaper and often better meals. Communal living can be good for mental health and support. Shared car, secure bicycle storage, buses and train station 3 minutes away all add up to a great package.