Starter homes are officially 'Excellent'!

Wed, Aug 16th 2006, 11:00

An innovative range of homes in Birmingham is officially ‘EXCELLENT’!

Redrow’s Debut range at Reed Square in Castle Vale has been certified by BRE (Building Research Establishment) as scoring ‘EXCELLENT’ on the EcoHomes rating – making this development one of the most eco-friendly and energy efficient in the country.

It follows the success of Redrow’s first Debut development in the UK, in Rugby, and the second, in Chorley, Lancashire, into the exclusive group of just over 60 schemes across the UK to achieve this top rating.

Launched in April 2000 by the BREEAM centre at BRE, with support from the National House Building Council, EcoHomes is an independent labelling scheme for housing, which assesses the environmental quality of a development by considering the broad concerns of climate change, use of resources, pollution and impacts on bio-diversity. Homes are ranked on a four point scale of ‘PASS’, ‘GOOD’, ‘VERY GOOD’ and ‘EXCELLENT’.

Debut at Castle Vale scored ‘EXCELLENT’ by getting 70% overall, with the help of the NHBC who provided expert advice throughout the assessment.

Some of the environmentally friendly features that were taken into account when assessing Debut @ Castle Vale are the fact it is built on a brownfield site, the provision of cycle storage as an alternative to car use, the use of 100% certified sustainable timber, use of water efficient WCs, taps and showers and the provision of water butts to irrigate communal landscape areas. Other initiatives were also implemented to help the development attain the ‘EXCELLENT’ rating.

Deborah Brownhill, commercial director at the BREEAM Centre, says: “The Debut homes are a fantastic example of eco-friendly homes – and best of all they are affordable. This makes the dream of owning a home within most people’s reach. Redrow is setting the trend for others to follow.”

Not only are the homes affordable to buy but they are affordable to run too. High thermal insulation levels in floors, walls, roofs, windows and doors with a high efficiency heating and hot water system, results in minimal carbon emissions and very low electricity consumption. Even the external lighting uses low energy fittings reducing both bills and maintenance.

Mike Bury, technical director for Redrow Homes (Midlands), says: “The EcoHomes score of ‘EXCELLENT’ for Castle Vale is a further example of our commitment to not only creating new communities with Debut, but ones which are eco-friendly and encourage their inhabitants to be more aware of the environment around them.

“Each of our Debut schemes is targeted to reach the ‘EXCELLENT’ standard, so we are hopeful of achieving similar success with our development in Hilton, as well as at future schemes planned in Burton and Nuneaton.”

Redrow’s Debut range has won critical acclaim for bringing new homes within reach of genuine first time buyers. Prices at Castle Vale range from just £59,995* for a one-bedroom property to £109,995 for a two-storey, two-bedroom home with additional workspace, with Redrow retaining an additional 10% equity in the homes on a fixed sum basis for up to 10 years.

Much of the cost saving comes from the way in which the properties are built, using Surebuild 3 galvanised lightweight steel frame manufactured in Swadlincote by Framing Solutions – a joint venture between Redrow and steel giant Corus. Together with other elements of off-site manufacture and modern methods of construction, this speeds up the build programme without compromising on quality.

Communal heating and hot water systems also provide cost efficiencies, while replacing private gardens with carefully planned, shared outdoor space, maintained by Redrow’s own management company, means Debut properties take up less land than conventional new homes – all resulting in a lower priced home.

Everything is geared to making home ownership accessible, affordable and easy to manage. The 10% shared equity is retained as an interest-free fixed sum for up to 10 years and the customer has total flexibility how they pay it back – via occasional lump sums, monthly repayments or in whole at any time. A single monthly service charge covers all external maintenance, as well as water, gas and electricity use and buildings insurance. And special measures are in place to prevent buy-to-let investors from snapping up the homes.

There are currently one and two-bedroom homes available at Castle Vale, with prices starting at just £59,995*. For details call 0845 676 0292 or visit www.debutbyredrow.co.uk