The design was developed with the aim of minimising the building’s Whole Life-Cycle Carbon emissions while ensuring it can achieve carbon-neutral status by 2050 when occupied and in use. It proactively addressed anticipated energy consumption and waste generation during the construction phase, eliminating inefficiencies through measures such as exceeding Building Regulations including fabric insulation to support fully sustainable development, optimising the building’s orientation for daylight and sunlight, and incorporating robust sound insulation details.

The development was designed to be all-electric, ensuring futureproofing in the event of gas network decommissioning. Comprehensive steps were taken to integrate sustainable measures that exceed both Building Regulations and Local Authority requirements, including efforts to ensure the supply chain and other consultants adhere to relevant standards.

This development integrated key ecological features such as bat and bird nesting sites. These natural habitats play a crucial role in supporting urban biodiversity, preserving local wildlife whilst contributing towards a healthier ecosystem.

• Two integrated house sparrow nest boxes were installed under the eaves to the east.
• Two integrated swift nest boxes were installed under the eaves to the west.
• 8 integrated bat roosting crevices installed at a high level into the new scheme facing different directions.
• New shrub planting to replace existing shrubs in the front.
• Two bee bricks installed 1.5m above ground level.
• No new external lighting was used where it might impact bats, their flight lines, their roosts or roost entrances. Only downlighters were used where necessary.

To improve the appearance of the site and enhance the character of the development in the interests of visual amenities and to ensure that the development makes a positive contribution to the local environment.

• Where there were hedges without a wall or fence, posts and a three-strained wire fence have been set up along the centre line to stop short-cutting/damage. Fences were installed before planting the hedge.
• The native hedgerow has been trimmed to benefit wildlife, with the top and each side cut on a 3-yearly rotation (year 1 first side, year 2 top, year 3 second side), to ensure a supply of flowers and fruits are available for every year.
• Special general-purpose Wildflower Meadow Planting for open space is situated at the rear of the garden.
• Newly turfed areas with a minimum depth of topsoil of 150mm.
• Existing trees, banks and slopes have been retained wherever possible.
• Native hedge hawthorn, field maple, blackthorn, hazel and guelder rose hedging retained with four apple and other fruit trees planted in the hedge.