St Matthew's Keyworker, Lambeth

Client: Presentation Housing Association

Role: Architecture and Environmental Consultancy

A multi awarding, unique energy efficient scheme by PRP ZEDFactor for affordable housing provider Presentation; this £1.5 million scheme provides 12 flats for keyworkers.

This pioneering project demonstrates how low energy design can be adopted to reduce the demand for heat and power to the point where renewable energy sources start to make sense. It can be achieved within costs constraints, and will benefit the residents and landlords in terms of reduced fuel bills and whole life costs of the building. It shows how good design can deliver attractive homes, built affordably and managed economically; elevating the role of social housing and delivering tangible benefits to residents, housing associations and the environment.

The one and two bedroom homes are designed to achieve a zero-heating standard, representing far higher standards of thermal efficiency than found on most Eco Homes excellent schemes. We believe this project provides an excellent model for future living, featuring progressive environmental and energy solutions that are affordable, combined with exciting living spaces in an urban context.

All living rooms face south with large windows and direct access to south-facing winter gardens and balconies. Water heating is provided by solar panels and thermal panels fitted on the roof, or by a wood pellet burning boiler. Energy bills should be less than £98 per year.

The awards include:

Low Energy Building of the Year - Sustainable Housing Awards 2008
Low Energy Building of the Year - Sustainability Awards 2006
Commendation in the Best New Development in the Affordable Homes Sector - New Homes Awards 2006
Commendation in the AJ’s Sustainability Award 2006