Eight new homes in Lliswerry, Newport are the first to be built in Wales using a new type of low-carbon, high-performance sustainable building material.
The new homes are being provided by housing association Newport City Homes, and built by local contractor Yourspace Projects, using an innovative frame from net-zero construction’s new frontier Etopia.
The construction process uses cleverly designed patented panels that are manufactured and quality tested off-site and then fixed together quickly and efficiently on-site. This method means better build quality as well as reduced noise and disruption for local residents during construction, with the build being completed in just six months.
Newport City Homes are building eight new homes on Somerton road on the site of the former Black Horse Inn using this system. The development has been named Cwrt Y March and includes six two-bedroom houses and two one-bedroom flats, available on Newport’s Home Options housing register. The new homes will be ready for customers to move in from mid-March.
The sustainable design also includes solar panels on the roof, with batteries to store the renewable energy for use at peak times, providing substantial savings for customers on their energy bills.
The development has been made possible thanks to £1.28m in capital funding from Welsh Government through the Social Housing Grant.
Using community benefit funding allocated through the development, Newport City Homes and Yourspace Projects have also made improvements to the popular local bus stop, working with Newport City Council to make it wider and safer, with a new shelter.
Peter Page, Development Manager at Newport City Homes said: “Working towards net-zero carbon is key for us, and we’re thrilled to be the first in Wales to use these new panels in our development of homes in Somerton.
"We know energy bills are a worry for many of our customers, and the solar panels built into the design of these new homes will help facilitate the use of renewable energy and keep costs down for customers, now and in the future.”
Chris Davey, at Yourspace Projects said: “We're pleased to announce the successful completion of our latest project to deliver these high performing homes. A first for Wales building with Etopia’s frame solution. Yourspace Projects takes pride in introducing innovative approaches to construct high-quality homes for our valued client, Newport City Homes.
"Our commitment to adopting new technologies reflects our dedication to improving industry efficiencies and providing cost-effective homes for the future. We appreciate Newport City Homes for their ongoing support and forward-thinking, which has played a crucial role in our ability to explore and incorporate new technologies. Their partnership has allowed us to learn and grow, contributing to our ongoing success.”
Nicola Clayton, Head of Business Development at Etopia said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Newport City Homes and Yourspace Projects to deliver the first scheme in Wales that utilises the unique properties of the Etopia system that uses Structural Insulated Panels to build the superstructure of a home that will be energy efficient, reduce carbon emissions and most importantly deliver high-quality homes that are affordable to heat for the people of Newport.
"We look forward to working with Housing Providers in Wales to deliver homes and provide training, upskilling, and employment opportunities for Welsh communities.”
