Architecture

ZEDHomes' architecture - building a better future

All architects care about building. But for us, the big questions are: How do we build a community? How can we build urban communities that offer a high-quality lifestyle without using up more than their share of scarce resources? And, How can we encompass traditional style with up-to-date ZED technology?

The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions estimates that an extra 3.8 million new homes will be needed by 2016 - a 19% increase in the number of UK households since 1991. As Lord Rogers' Urban Task Force points out, if we built these new homes at current levels of density, they would cover an area of land larger than Greater London.

ZED homes are designed to address environmental, social and economic needs. Its skill lies in the way it brings together a number of proven methods - none of them particularly high tech - of reducing energy, water and car use. And, crucially, it produces a development in which people actually want to live - and can afford to do so. Key features include:

Compass development

Making the most of scarce building land

ZEDHomes build compact, high-occupation developments. However, far from feeling cramped, it is made 'green' and attractive through its unique design. Every home has access to a private garden or balcony.

Making the most of natural light

Where possible, buildings are built south facing so that they can make maximum use of the heating effect of the sun on glass. Offices are shaded by the dwellings so that they do not receive solar heat gain and can thus avoid the use of air-conditioning.

Using renewable materials

Where possible, ZED Homes are built from natural, recycled or reclaimed materials. All the wood used has been approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (or comparable internationally-recognised environmental organisation) to ensure that it comes from a sustainable source.

Sustaining the local economy

Again, wherever possible, building materials are chosen from within a 35-mile radius of each development. Local contractors are favoured, along with local fabrication. This both boosts the local economy and encourages use of materials traditional to the area. This provides extra architectural interest and reinforces local identity. And of course it cuts down on the energy and pollution in transporting materials long distance.

Harrow development

Harnessing the power of the sun

All ZED homes enjoy plenty of sunlight. Conservatories provide both a relaxing place to sit and a means to harvest solar energy. And the design of the houses allows for the installation of solar photovoltaic panels (which convert energy from the sun into electricity) - and are used to power electric vehicles.

Designing for the 21st century

The mixed use and mixed tenure model makes sense environmentally, socially and financially. The extra revenue from the work units is used to pay for the environmental upgrades to the scheme - a system that could be used more widely to develop other sustainable housing schemes. Residents can live and work in the same place, without expensive commuting.

Using technology in traditional style

Some developments include existing buildings of conservational interest or conservation areas that require traditional style buildings. In these cases ZEDHomes are able to utilise their up-to-date technologies to inlcude environmentally responsible elements such as bio-mass boilers, CHP plant, PV panels and super-insulation.

EDF Offices