Mesh is working with Waverley Borough Council on plans for a highly sustainable housing development in Elstead, Surrey to replace 10 existing properties built in the 1960s with 26 new low-energy, affordable homes.

The plans are for one, two and three-bedroom homes – a mix of flats, maisonettes and semi-detached houses for rent and shared ownership. The architects for the scheme are Nye Saunders.

Sustainability is central to the design of the Springfield development to reflect the Council’s determination and forward-thinking approach to addressing climate change and protecting the environment, whilst delivering its wider strategy and the growing demand for affordable housing.

Mesh was appointed to contribute to the design and planning process for this scheme and is assisting Waverley Borough Council with:

-        Energy strategy

-        Design stage SAP calculations

-        Heat loss and ventilation modelling

-        Dynamic overheating assessment and passive design strategy development

-        Building fabric and insulation optimisation

-        Whole life carbon assessments at key stages of the project.

Mark Constable, Housing Development Officer at Waverley Borough Council:

“As with all residential developments, it is a huge challenge to address the climate emergency, changing regulations, the urgent need for more affordable housing for local people, whilst developing plans for brownfield sites such as Springfield, that are economically viable.

These often-competing priorities mean we need a partner like Mesh to be agile, knowledgeable and proficient in proposing practical energy strategies and building engineering solutions that help to us to achieve that balance – which is no easy task.

Mesh have performed well on this project and are helping us to meet our development objectives. We look forward to continuing our partnership on future schemes.”

Mesh advised on passive design measures including purge ventilation, shading and building orientation to mitigate overheating. This work required close collaboration with the design team at pre-planning stage to preserve the overall design integrity and appearance of the scheme which is set within semi-rural surroundings.

The proposed new homes at Springfield are designed with solar panels to generate renewable energy to power each property and electric vehicle charging points, and air source heat pumps which are a more efficient heating solution.

Each home will benefit from access to outdoor space, either as private gardens or communal landscaped areas designed to support biodiversity and promote residents’ health and wellbeing.

Watercolour image – Neil Emery