We are proud that our current development Hartdene Barns is part of the RIBA 2025 Climate Challenge and Q New Homes have embraced sustainability, going way beyond current building regs and ensuring quality and sustainability is at the heart of all construction and design choices on this project.
Together with our architect Nissen Richards Studio and a host of other consultants we are ensuring that Hartdene Barns truly provide eco homes that are net zero carbon by adopting the highest standard of environmental design.
A Whole Life Carbon Assessment “WLCA” was undertaken by Sustainability and Energy Consultant Darren Evans to consider the impact of every component in the build and steer design choices.
Net zero carbon means that these generously proportioned and luxurious, architectural homes, will have nearly ZERO running costs. Whilst also being as environmentally sustainable as possible, both in terms of construction, operational running costs and lifetime maintenance!
Q New Homes are meeting the RIBA Climate Challenge 2025 which requires that the dwellings meet exceptionally high standards set by the Royal Institute of British Architects “RIBA” for embodied carbon, operational energy, and water consumption.
Energy Hierarchy
By specifying SIP construction, it is calculated that embodied carbon is reduced by 40% compared to traditional masonry construction. Structurally Insulated Panels SIP’s also ensure an unbroken insulated envelope around each entire dwelling, which is crucial to ensure green technology can perform efficiently.
All homes benefit from a feature architectural fireplace. We are all becoming more aware of our environmental impact and burning wood or traditional fuel is clearly putting more emissions into the atmosphere. We are installing Bioethanol Fireplaces where the fuel, Bioethanol, is a waster product from food industries and a renewable energy. It is the cleanest and most efficient fuel on the market, which means there are no emissions and no soot or ash to clean up, nor even a need for a chimney.
Additionally, we improve upon this with further layers of insulation to roof and floors to ensure we are achieving levels of insulation way beyond the status quo!
Further measures across the scheme further reduce our carbon footprint, such as using low-carbon concrete, and the use of renewable technology including Air Source Heat Pump's, Mechanical Ventilation & Heat Recovery, Solar PV and more. All plots are enveloped in insulation and even have an internal wrap Vapor Control Layer which ensures the dwellings are also air-tight, again adding to their energy efficiency.
This QNEWHOMES development makes for collection of one-of-a-kind homes. If you’re looking for a super energy efficient eco home that also has dramatic spaces and architectural details throughout, you're bound to fall head over heels for these incredible homes
Matthew Blackhall - Senior Advisor, J3
The scheme as a whole exceeds the target goals set by RIBA Climate Challenge. HARTDENE BARNS is 10-15 years ahead of the majority of the new build properties expected in the UK and will easily be amongst some of the most environmentally friendly houses in the entire UK
Darren Evans - Sustainability and Energy Consultant, WCLA
