Energy-efficient homes ready

THE first new energy-efficient homes developed by Caerphilly County Borough Council as part of a housing pilot programme have been completed.

Developed on the site of the former 49 Club in Trecenydd, Caerphilly, the six one-bedroom apartments are the first homes to be built by the council in almost 20 years.

The local authority is the first in Wales to develop homes to Passivhaus standard using an innovative steel primaframe design.

The project has been developed in partnership with experienced construction company Willmott Dixon and local Ystrad Mynach-based steel manufacturer Caledan.

All homes on the development have been constructed to Passivhaus standard, consisting of very high levels of insulation, extremely highperformance windows with insulated frames, airtight building fabric and a mechanical heat ventilation system.

As well as helping to lower carbon emissions, these buildings will result in low energy costs for tenants and contribute to housing needs in the county borough.

Funding of £3.1m has been provided from the Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme to support the project, which will also see another 12 one-bedroom Passivhaus homes built at Llanfabon Drive, Trethomas.

Councillor Shayne Cook, cabinet member for housing, said “This is a huge milestone for us in delivering our ambitious council house building programme and I’d like to thank everyone involved in achieving this.

“The quality of these new homes is exceptional and their innovative design will make sure fuel bills for future tenants will be kept to a minimum, which is crucial amidst rising energy costs and the current cost of living crisis.

“Our aim is to use this pilot programme as a blueprint for future developments and I look forward to welcoming our new tenants into their homes.”