THE GREEN MEWS

Nr Hogarth Rd, Hove, Completed 2022

Planning

The planning process proved challenging, with multiple applications being refused & appeals being lost. The reasons given were eg: A cramped form of development; The scale & bulk of the proposal; Overlooking; A lack of external space.

These observations were reconciled with an ambitious concept, which in 2017 obtained planning consent for three #2-bedroom detached houses, and in so doing maximising the potential of this redundant inner city site.

However, it quickly became clear that the foundation required in order to deliver the conceived masonry design would be invasive, destructive, disruptive and wasteful of materials notwithstanding the detrimental effect that the construction works would have had on the neighbouring properties.

A proposal was made to the client to use engineered mass timber panels using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), specifically Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) which required a much smaller foundation to deliver the design concept.

CLT is manufactured from 100% renewable sources; minimal wastage

Reduced logistics give considerable reductions in vehicle movements and therefore greatly reduced emissions.

A CLT structure is not only carbon negative but is also extremely light weight. A CLT structure can be as much as 80% less dense mass than its masonry, concrete and/or steel equivalent and 90% less structural steel and concrete. High performance insulation with High performing external windows and doors combined with CLT’s ability to achieve excellent air tightness, all results in a very thermally efficient building envelope.

Sedum roof with solar panels atop the Green Mew

Stunning Style

The new eco-friendly build is a modern and sustainable structure that seamlessly blends style and functionality. Its design features clean lines, an open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light, creating a bright and airy living space. A stunning design with a commitment to sustainability, providing a harmonious and beautiful living experience.

BRIEF

Safely delivered during the 2021/22 Covid pandemic, The Green Mews site is typical of many similar areas in Brighton & Hove in as much as it is a very tight urban site and for many years was considered to be unsuitable for meaningful development, we beg to differ.

Our client, Portand Glass Ltd had made numerous attempts to develop a former goods yard to the rear of their showrooms (within a High Street shopping parade established around 1930). The site is completely enclosed by commercial and residential properties making excavating the heavy foundations and managing the stocked materials typical of a masonry construct, challenging, disruptive and ultimately considered to be not commercially viable.

On completion, the site had become transformed into #3 x 2 bedroom detached houses in a gated, secure setting with parking and integrated car charging points powered "off-grid" by the houses themselves. The properties have been successfully leased, long term to mygetaways.com , they are fully certified for occupation with an EPC rating of "A" and are regularly occupied by visitors to the city of Brighton & Hove.

FACTS

Type of Project: Residential
Location: Hove, East Sussex
Client: Portland Glass Ltd
Funding: Jason Mendelson (CLTS Partner)
Architect: David Seaman (CLTS Partner)
Main Contractor: CLT Structures LLP
Design & Development: Jon Aburrow (CLTS Partner)
Structural Engineering: Thorpe Engineering Ltd
Civil Engineering: CGS Civils Ltd

CLT Supplier: Stora Enso
Glulam Supplier: Stora Enso
Project Duration: 8 months
Area: 76 m² per unit
Approved Building Inspector: JM Partnership Ltd
Certified for occupation: March 2022
Energy Efficiency: Mantis Energy Ltd
EPC Certificate: Therm Ltd
EPC Rating: A

31

tonnes

Unlike conventional building materials, a massive, 31 tonnes of Co2 were removed from the atmosphere when the trees were growing and stored to the wood product over their lifetime.

seconds

21

The forest will take just 21 seconds on a summer’s day to grow back the wood used.

The cycle of Co2 removal will then begin again.

percent

19

With the scheme having now been completed, it has been confirmed that the scheme far exceeds the current BREAM definition of “Carbon Negative”, which is a major achievement. Keeping Embodied Carbon to a minimum and Operational Carbon Negative all proves these buildings meet the highest standards of sustainability.

They exceed the Brighton and Hove City Council’s Energy Efficiency Plan requirement by over 19%

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