Village is green for go
Carbon-neutral lodges and off-grid energy mix with Scandi styling and spas in the latest retirement complex, says DEBORAH STONE
RETIREMENT village developer Audley Group hopes to turn rivals green with envy as it plans its first carbon-neutral lodges to lead this sector in sustainable building.
It has applied for planning permission to extend Audley Inglewood, an existing village that already uses sustainable technology, introducing roof-mounted photovoltaic panels to power LED lighting at the additional homes and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems to provide sustainable heating.
The retirement village in Kintbury, Berkshire, is mostly housed in a replica of the neo-classical mansion that previously stood on the site.
It has magnificent features including high ceilings, elaborate cornicing, large windows and a health club in what was once a Champneys Spa but was also rebuilt to provide luxury facilities.
The retirement village’s rural setting means it is off-grid with no mains gas, water or drainage, which is one of the reasons for Audley’s ambitions to be self-sufficient in terms of energy consumption.
The 21 new two-bedroom, single-storey lodges in a walled garden within the grounds will be highly insulated airtight units, expected to be built off-site using a modular system that will reduce construction time at the village and keep disruption to a minimum.
“It is in Audley’s DNA to innovate,” says managing director Kevin Shaw. “The very model on which the business is built has set the standard for retirement living so it is natural that we are continuing to redefine the sector by embarking upon a carbon-neutral village.
“We have always taken environmental and sustainability issues very seriously and this proposal sends a signal about the scale of our ambition in this space.
“It is simply not a case of being the responsible approach to construction. It is the only approach that is sustainable over the long term.”
Phase three of Audley Inglewood – it already has some cottages in the grounds and apartments in Inglewood House – will be built within the walled garden where current lean-to buildings are in a state of disrepair.
The new cottages will have natural wood exteriors giving them a very contemporary, slightly Scandinavian look.
Owners will have access to the rest of Audley Inglewood’s facilities, which include a swimming pool and spa plus fitness studio and hair salon.there’s also a library and lounge as well as a restaurant and bar that has its own bistro.
Activities and classes range from pilates and aqua aerobics to bridge and book clubs, with sight-seeing trips and guided walks on offer.
There’s also a guest suite for family or friends to reserve when visiting the village, which is in an area of outstanding natural beauty near Hungerford.
PROPERTIES at all Audley Villages developments are sold leasehold for up to 125 years with an annual ground rent of £250 and a management charge that varies according to the property.
There are currently several pre-owned properties for sale at Audley Inglewood, ranging from a one-bedroom flat at £325,000 to a two-bedroom mid-terrace cottage with a private west-facing terrace for £599,950 (01488 687012; audleyvillages.co.uk).
Now Audley is talking of maintaining this zero-carbon status for future projects, with energy efficiency its prime aim, and is in talks to build four more retirement villages in Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire and West Yorkshire.