Star Ground | Holt

Client: Winsley White Building Contractors & Developers Ltd

Value: £2.5million

Services Provided: Feasibility Study, Concept Development, Planning Stage Design, Passivhaus Design, Planning Application, Detailed Design, PHPP Modelling, Energy Strategy, SAP Assessment, RIBA Stages: 1-6

Development of 10 new affordable homes built to Passivhaus principles following previous phase of 12 homes.

gcp was appointed by Stonewater Housing Association to design Phase 2 of the Star Ground development in Holt, Wiltshire, collaborating with local contractor Winsley White to support the construction process. Star Ground is thoughtfully designed with a strong emphasis on social and environmental sustainability.

Above: Inspired by the Ursa Major constellation, this art installation lent itself to the name of the development, “Star Ground” [designed by Amanda from Studio B.A.D.]
Right: A bug hotel forms part of the biodiversity strategy

gcp had delivered the detailed design more than 12 years prior for Phase 1, which consisted of 12 homes. Phase 2 presented the opportunity to push for higher environmental standards: gcp designed the homes in accordance with Passivhaus principles, providing detailed design knowledge and PHPP calculations to demonstrate that the homes could meet the Passivhaus standard.

*The scheme provides a mix of homes to suit local need, arranged around the green space*

A green space lies at the heart of the development, well-overlooked by the homes and providing a safe and welcoming area where children can play.

*Phase 2 of the scheme faces a generous communal green space*

The homes were built using well insulated cavity construction and incorporate technologies such as smart heating controls, PV panels and battery storage to achieve an EPC rating of A as well as being constructed to Passivhaus principles. Robust detailing and genuine collaboration with the Contractor ensured the homes performed as designed: after one year of occupancy, the average running costs were 46% less than the SAP prediction, and 51% less than the average UK home. Carbon savings were even more impressive, with an 88% reduction compared to the average UK home.