The next lot of homes at the UK's largest self-build site are set to be completely fossil fuel free
Graven Hill's next set of homes are set to all be "all-electric" due to an increased demand for eco homes(Image credit: Graven Hill)
The Graven Hill site has said its next set of homes are set to be "all-electric" due to an increase in demand for sustainable homes.
The UK's largest self-build site in Oxfordshire has said their newest properties will feature air source heat pumps instead of boilers and will also have underfloor heating.
Graven Hill representatives said this is to meet the growing demand for energy-efficient homes and also align with Graven Hill's goals to create a "low carbon community".
What will the new homes include?
The next projects at the Graven Hill site will feature only electrically-powered properties with 22 homes set to be built in the self-build village.
The project is building up to 1,900 houses, including self build and custom build homes, in a range of two to five-bed properties.
What were the previous standards
Graven Hill homes previously were not required to install heat pumps and underfloor heating(Image credit: Kingspan)
Graven Hill has been required to meet Passivhaus standards since the Graven Hill project began in 2016.
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The way this was done by using designs that included enhanced insulation to keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer, airtight construction to prevent heat loss, and energy-efficient lighting.
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems were also used to provide fresh air while reusing heat from outgoing air, cutting down on heating needs.
Although air source heat pumps and underfloor heating were recommended for new homes on the site, they were not previously a requirement.
Why has Graven Hill gone all-electric?
Operators at Graven Hill have explained their decision for going all-electric with their latest set of self builds, claiming eco homes are more in demand and that these homes match Graven Hill's sustainable ambitions.
Gemma Davis, Customer Experience Director at the Graven Hill Village, stated: “We have seen a lot of interest in our latest releases, helped by new mortgage products and settling interest rates but also by the high sustainability, energy and operating efficiencies our homes are offering. This is also in-keeping with our vision for a low carbon community, as well as improved health and well-being outcomes.”
She also explained the benefits of the new approach as she explained: “By going all-electric with the incorporation of air source heat pumps and MVHR as standard, and now this latest trial of underfloor heating, we anticipate a significant impact on the energy efficiency and sustainability of new homes at Graven Hill.
“Air source heat pumps and underfloor heating operate at lower temperatures making them an ideal match for each other, combining both means even heat distribution and reduced carbon emissions. The MVHR ensures no build-up of excess humidity and captures airborne particles, including dust, via its filters.”
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
