Aedas' zero-carbon design includes rooftop photovoltaic array and ground source heat pump

Aedas Architects has designed Claffey House, a zero-carbon residential scheme built on an environmentally sensitive site in Worcestershire.

The 340m² residential scheme for client Mr and Mrs Claffey will cost an estimated £450,000 and includes rooftop photovoltaic array and ground source heat pump.

The scheme is aiming for the BREEAM "excellent' rating.

It will be completed in spring 2009.

Sustainability targets are achieved by

• Passive design potential of the site has been maximised by setting the building into the hill to reduce the building envelope, hence heat losses. As the south elevation is extensively glazed, the eaves of the building are extended to provide shading and optimise heat gains. The building’s high thermal mass regulates temperature through the day and night and cross ventilation prevents over heating
• Energy losses through glazing and walls are reduced by high performance triple glazed windows and super-insulated walls
• All materials have been specified taking into account their "Green Guide to Specification" rating, using local materials wherever possible
• Ground source heat pumps, powered by the PV array provide primary heating and hot water source
• On-site photovoltaic array generates net surplus energyy
• A+ rated appliances reduce the requirement for energy, and high efficiency lighting has been specified throughout
• Re-use of grey water in toilets and washing machines cuts water consumption, whilst composting water returns water back to local water table

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