Tolgus Farm
Updated: 26 August 2023
Location: Redruth
Developer: Vistry Group
Number of units: 185 units (1-4 bedroom apartments and houses)
Aim(s) of Project: Deliver zero carbon ready homes for Cornwall's affordable homes provision
Construction method: Timber frame
Energy Compliance method: SAP 10
Overheating compliance method: TM59
Construction start: September 2021
Construction finish: 2024
Overview of Project and Specification
This development consists of 185 zero-carbon ready homes built to support Cornwall Council's affordable homes provision. They all have an EPC A rating.
Other than a fabric first approach, the key features are air source heat pumps with underfloor heating, central mechanical extract ventilation and solar PV panels. In addition, there is green infrastructure with swales and rills
Key learnings
- House layout had to be redesigned for cylinders (including additional space requirements) and heat pumps.
- Consideration was required of how heating should be linked to solar PV – a solar controller for PV feedback directly to the immersion was introduced at extra cost.
- Installation of technologies such as underfloor heating to the first floor created potential coordination issues where steels need to be crossed as there were a lot of services in the floor void and all requiring insulation above the ceiling line to help direct heat.
- The use of a radon barrier with timber frame caused issues and required a redesign.