Image supplied by ADAM Architecture

Norton St Philip is a mixed commercial and residential scheme for over 51 homes, including sheltered housing, shops and offices near Bath in Somerset. The site is located in a heritage village, in a conservation area. As such it is vital that the scheme design and inclusions are suited to this location and compliment rather than detract from these significant surroundings.

Given the heritage status, the application was very sensitive and of an exemplar design. There are strict energy and sustainability policy requirements to ensure that an energy efficient design of a sustainable nature is developed, and is able to achieve Code Level 3. As such it was paramount that a well designed and sustainable proposal was formulated.

Key concerns throughout the scheme included the following: choice of materials and environmental design features; design of energy efficiency measures; principles and practice of renewable energy technologies; impact on wildlife; and the need to ensure that local views are acknowledged and expectations met as far as possible.

Services Provided
• DPP Sustainability provided sustainability and energy advice throughout the project, informing the design and inclusion of suitable energy technologies and sustainable measures;
• DPP Sustainability undertook a Code for Sustainable Homes preassessment which helped to inform the architectural design of the site, and highlighted where sustainable measures and energy technologies could be incorporated;
• In addition a combined Energy and Sustainability Statement was provided. This highlighted the sustainable inclusions within the scheme and the proposed energy technologies deemed viable for the site.

Achievements
• The Code pre-assessment demonstrates that a Code Level 3 can be achieved on site, in line with policy requirements;
• The Energy and Sustainability statements illustrate that a highly sustainable and energy efficient development has been formulated through the incorporation of Solar Water Heating and Ground Source Heat Pumps for the residential units;
• In addition a number of energy efficiency measures are included such as: orientation; use of local materials; daylight design; landscaping; and a high quality of design which fits in well with the existing village setting; to ensure that the resultant development provides a positive sustainable contribution to the local area.