Climate and sustainability
Designed with water in mind
A landscape-led approach to sustainable drainage
Although the site is not assessed as being in a high fluvial flood risk area, surface water management is central to the emerging design. A sustainable drainage strategy is being developed using swales, basins and planted wetland features to manage runoff in a sustainable and controlled way.
These features are intended to form part of the landscape, adding ecological and visual value as well as drainage capacity. The aim is to ensure that the proposals do not increase flood risk on or off the site and respond appropriately to the wider hydrology of the surrounding landscape, in particular the ecologically important Lindow Moss.
Lower-carbon homes and everyday sustainability
Designing for comfort, efficiency and long-term resilience
The homes are being designed around strong fabric performance, drawing on Passivhaus principles such as high levels of insulation, airtight construction and careful window design. The properties will benefit from, among other features, triple glazing, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and efficient hot-water layouts as part of the design approach.
South-facing roof slopes offer the opportunity for solar panels, with electric vehicle charging points throughout. Rainwater harvesting, water-efficient fixtures and the emphasis on walking, cycling and food-growing all form part of the wider sustainability strategy.