Barratt showcases new zero carbon home

Barratt is building the Z House - a flagship zero carbon home that will be occupied and monitored to assess its performance. The firm says it will be the first new home in the country built by a major housebuilder to go beyond the new Future Homes Standard by delivering a carbon reduction of 125% against current standards.

It is being developed as an industry showcase home at the University of Salford to demonstrate what is achievable, particularly from a mainstream, volume housebuilder. It will be occupied by a university academic so energy consumption can be monitored. The new home is being built with more than 40 leading industry partners from across the housebuilding, sustainability and technology sectors.

The new house will feature technology such as overhead infrared panels that provide instant zero carbon heat; new air powered showers that will save significantly on water and heating bills; plaster which eliminates pollutants giving cleaner, healthier air; a fridge which keeps the right humidity resulting in 60% less food wastage; and innovative heated skirting boards delivering 10% more heat than traditional radiators whilst also saving space.

It will be constructed using modern methods of construction (MMC) such as closed panel timber frames with …