Eco homes that turn rubbish into energy
100 green apartments to be built in Luton by the end of 2010 as part of Milieu ArchitectsEUR environmentally sustainable project
LUTON, UK, June 28, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The apartments will use solar collectors and wind turbines, and would turn waste materials into energy to keep heating bills down to around GBP100 per year. It is all part of Milieu ArchitectsEUR ambitious plans for EURLutonEUR s first environmentally responsible developmentEUR .
Peter Lunter, The Project Architect, said:
EURThe project has been designed to achieve nearly all Zero Energy Development standards, and hence the block has minimum space heating requirements. The scheme employs a wide range of sustainable features that contribute to its code 5 for Sustainable Homes rating where the grade 6 is the zero carbon level. However, the project has a pre designed upgrade path to full Zero Energy status.EUR
The plan involves developing the derelict, recently crime-ridden site on the northern side of Collingdon Street in Luton, and could spark an EURurban renaissanceEUR , according to businessman Jan Telensky whose company has proposed building the apartments.
The scheme, formally known as EURLow Energy Apartments (LEA) projectEUR , is already receiving the support and co-operation of Luton Borough Council as it has been submitted to approach the planning stages, and Milieu Architects, which is made up of former University of Luton students, is confident that it will become a reality by the end of 2010.
The idea of the innovative project is that it will provide environmentally sound housing and social facilities at an affordable cost and make a considerable contribution towards environmental sustainability, while enhancing the sense of community by regenerating the site into an attractive residential area.
The building would be topped with visually attractive green roofs whose structural function is designed to protect the waterproofing layer from extreme temperature and abrasion, produce oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide production.
Other key sustainable features include construction from thermal materials that store heat during warm months and release it during the colder months.
Core facts - Key sustainable features
· The building is constructed from thermally massive materials that store heat during warm months and release it during the colder months. Further enhancement is achieved through a high performance thermal insulation, good weather-tightness and integration of winter gardens (sun rooms).
· Combined heat and power plant that uses waste wood that would otherwise go to landfill.
· Wind turbines EUR" harvesting the wind to power low energy electrical appliances and low energy lighting.
· Roof is covered in water-powered solar collectors that are assisting with space and water heating.
· Green Roofs EUR" visually attractive green roofs protect the waterproofing layer from extreme temperatures and abrasion. It provides natural habitat and reduces CO2 and produces oxygen.
· South façade features sun rooms that are heated by the sun.
Links to high-resolution images
Low Energy Apartments EUR" Sustainability Features
http://www.flickr.com/photos/milieuarchitects/3632524397/
Low Energy Apartments EUR" Visual
http://www.flickr.com/photos/milieuarchitects/3631479833/
Existing Site EUR" Collingdon Street
http://www.flickr.com/photos/milieuarchitects/3631562253/
Milieu Architects logo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/milieuarchitects/3629762027/
0803010
Peter Lunter BSc BA (Hons) Arch Dipl Arch (ARB) Cpp.D (IPMA) is available for interview.
Further Related Resources:
Press Release Contact Information:
Marko Minka
Milieu Architects
PR
74-77 White Lion Street
London, Islington
United Kingdom N1 9PF
Voice: +44 (0)77 3780 3686
Website: Visit Our Website
