"All new homes should be zero carbon by 2016 with RSLs leading the way and 'trailblazing' new solutions. This requires an entirely new approach to design and to the quality of construction." Debra Constance, Head of Business Development, Homes Division
Over the last five years Osborne has invested in developing the expertise needed to face the Government’s challenge on sustainable homes. Our approach is to consider sustainability from the very inception of the project. Through our knowledge of Government requirements, the planning process and the design of affordable homes and care facilities, we enable our clients to achieve the highest levels of sustainability in their projects.
In April 2008 we completed the first habitable development of affordable homes in the UK to achieve Level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH). The Mid Street project, in South Nutfield in Surrey, came about through our long term relationship with Raven Housing Trust.
The solution that we pursued with the client was to minimise energy consumption and carbon emissions by maximising the buildings thermal performance, reducing air leakage and minimising the use of fossil fuels. by re-using as much energy as possible. At the core of the design was a structure formed from Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) supplied by Osborne subsidiary Innovaré Systems. In addition, we provided appropriate renewable energy sources, including a biomass boiler and photovoltaic panels as well as a rainwater harvesting system to reduce water consumption.
A further example of our innovative approach to sustainability and modern methods of construction can be seen at the Osborne Demonstration House on the BRE Innovation Park.
Our sustainability skills are complemented by expertise that enables us to advise on technical solutions that make projects more viable for our clients. At Read’s Walk, a 22-unit development at Shooting Field, Steyning in West Sussex, we helped Saxon Weald overcome technical challenges, including the need to avoid spending a prohibitive amount on introducing a new mains sewer into the development.
Our ability to design and build attractive housing is coupled with an understanding of our clients’ need for cost certainty and delivery within a limited budget. We are currently working on a range of projects from traditional 2 storey housing to five storey town centre flats with basement parking.
We have recently completed two care homes for older people for the London Borough of Croydon as part of the borough’s New4Old programme and have started work on a further two homes due for completion Summer 2010.
We are also building three housing schemes directly for the London Borough of Croydon which incorporate sustainable features such as wind turbines and solar thermal panels on the roof and which will be the equivalent of CSH Level 4 when completed.
Osborne is a leading provider of responsive repairs and planned maintenance work for some of the leading RSLs in the country. Osborne Property Services provides these services to more than 50,000 homes, and undertake more than 15% of repairs on RSL homes in London. We also play an important role in helping RSLs bring all of their homes up to the Decent Homes standard and we have a team dedicated to this work.
Osborne became a trusted partner for Saxon Weald during the development of 22 homes at Read’s Walk in Steyning. Osborne helped the planning stages of these new residential properties go smoothly and delivered a service to a good standard and on time. We faced many of the usual challenges that come from construction in such a peaceful setting. One of the most important factors for Saxon Weald to consider was the peace of mind of the local residents in a nearby retirement scheme, as well as creating a style of home that was in keeping with its rural surroundings. Osborne delivered this, respecting the surroundings and building attractive homes that people are now living in and enjoying. Richard Donnelly, Development Director, Saxon Weald
New projects currently on site:
For more information contact homes@osborne.co.uk
