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Working with the National Trust and Leeds Metropolitan University to deliver a landmark environmentally sustainable development.
The Stamford Brook development occupies land within the National Trust’s Dunham Massey estate. The objective of the National Trust was to create a development of innovative sustainable homes within a traditional landscape setting. In order to achieve this, alongside another private developer, we worked with Leeds Metropolitan University to develop a set of challenging sustainability targets for traditionally built new homes. The strategy was aimed at developing designs which would stand the test of time and significantly reduce the energy consumption of a new dwelling.
Many of the design details on Stamford Brook had never been employed previously in the UK, and therefore were subject to trials, either on site or in a laboratory. The energy efficiency of the buildings was tested using models and indicated that the best way to increase efficiency was to minimise the conduction of heat in or out of a building. This was achieved in a number of ways including thicker than usual wall design, and changing the position of windows to maximise light. To further increase sunlight into the homes, we redesigned the masterplan layout to prevent over shading. We included high efficiency gas fired condensing boilers and low energy mechanical extract ventilation systems to keep constant fresh air circulating within the homes. The development also examined actual verses theoretical energy performance and led to the discovery that party wall cavities contribute to heat loss. This has led to changes being introduced with the Building Regulations to insulate party wall cavities. Thermal imaging equipment was used to assess cold bridging and better inform on build techniques such as masonry parging and service penetrations through cavity walls. The environmentally sustainable development uses many new and innovative technologies and building techniques while retaining a traditional style in keeping with the outstanding natural landscape of Natural Trust parkland that surrounds it.
Although a greenfield site, prior to development, the ecological value of the land was relatively low. A wide variety of wildlife and natural habitats, a network of greenways, and a new river corridor have been constructed to create an attractive environment and connect the Stamford Brook development with the rest of the Dunham Massey estate.
In the northern part of the site lies Sinderland Brook. In one of the largest restoration projects of its kind in the country we have transformed this former canal into a diverse and appealing river corridor. The design of the river channelincorporates a variety of habitats for birds and mammals, including: retained and expanded kingfisher habitats; suitable river banks for water voles to burrow; and reed beds created to enhance biodiversity and landscape value.