Construction of England's largest carbon-neutral retirement community has been successfully finalized
Housing 21 Completes England's Largest Net-Zero Retirement Living Scheme in Doncaster
Housing 21, a not-for-profit housing provider, has made a significant stride in sustainable housing with the completion of Patent House and Patent Walk, the largest net-zero retirement living scheme in Doncaster. Located off Cooke Street, the scheme consists of 20 homes, marking England's largest net-zero volumetric modular Retirement Living scheme.
The new complex, designed to enable people aged 55 and over to live independently within a community setting, adheres to Housing 21's 'low carbon specification' to meet the Future Homes Standard and 2050 net-zero targets. The scheme includes 64 volumetric modules, including eight two-bedroom bungalows and a three-storey building with six one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments, all available for social rent.
Marc Najera captured the image of the new building complex, showcasing its modern and eco-friendly design. The scheme boasts additional landscaped areas and private gardens, as well as renovated spacious communal lounge and extensive open-plan gardens featuring outdoor seating, all contributing to a comfortable living environment.
To maximize efficiency and reduce running costs, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery has been installed in the scheme. Furthermore, photovoltaic solar panels have been installed on the roof, and water heaters with integrated air source heat pumps have been installed within the homes. Electric vehicle (EV) charging points have also been provided for residents, reflecting the growing importance of sustainable transportation.
Tony Tench, deputy chief executive at Housing 21, expressed excitement about the project and its focus on providing an affordable Retirement Living complex that achieves net zero in terms of operational carbon. A year-long program has been put in place to monitor the energy use of the new homes in the Patent House and Patent Walk scheme. Data from this program will be used to shape net zero homes of the future.
Residents will have access to facilities at another Housing 21 scheme, Minden Court, which is situated adjacent to Patent House and Patent Walk. Funding for the scheme was provided by Doncaster Council and Homes England.
This ambitious project is part of Housing 21's commitment to sustainable housing and their efforts towards achieving the net-zero carbon target by 2050. The program will compare the energy use of the new homes with another traditionally built scheme, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of the low carbon specification and the potential for widespread implementation in the future.
