Innovation for a greener future
Nature is taking over at Market Quarter in Chippenham. Not only do these eco-excellent rated homes development by award-winning homebuilder Linden Homes Western have green roofs and a nature corridor, but they now have innovative Living Walls! The basics…
Living Walls are new technology, which although rare in the UK, are growing in popularity as homebuilders realise the benefits that they bring, both aesthetically and for the environment. There are only a handful of suppliers across the world and Linden Homes specifically sourced this innovative building cladding from the french company Vegetorpin, who have been developing the technology for over 20 years.
The Living Walls are created by planting five different native European sedums on a geotextile, which are grown in Polytunnels and then mounted onto a thin quilt of pumice stone with its own integral irrigation system. Finally, they are then mounted onto bespoke steel frames and installed. At Market Quarter there will be three panels, each measuring 9.5 metres, which will be found peppered throughout the development.
The consultants…
Linden Homes is constantly looking for new ways to improve the carbon footprint of its developments, while also improving the environment for future residents. So when the environmental landscapers at Studio Engleback suggested Living Walls, Linden jumped at the chance to install this dynamic building cladding.
Luke Engelback comments; “We are delighted to be working with Linden, as they are always open to new ideas and products. When we proposed installing Living Walls at Market Quarter the idea was met with enthusiasm and even the logistics of the nearest suppliers being based in France didn’t deter anyone involved in this groundbreaking development. It is a breath of fresh air to work with a company who is willing to use innovative ideas and then take them forward into future projects”
Multi-tasking…
Although comparisons can be drawn with green roofs, Living Walls have many additional benefits and achieve several aims at once. Through careful planning and planting, they can reduce energy costs of a conventional home by 25% by reducing the need for air conditioning and heating. This is achieved through plant material helping buildings retain heat typically lost to convection and as a result of reducing the ambient temperature by at least 2 degrees Celsius on a hot summers day, through the natural process of photosynthesis.
Furthermore, in addition to benefiting from a visually pleasing exterior finish and reduced bills, residents at Market Quarter will find everything a little quieter, as the living walls also provide sound insulation.
A cleaner environment…
The large surface area of leaves acts as a filter to airborne dust helping to reduce atmospheric pollution, which is a major factor in diseases such as asthma that currently affects 1 in 5 children in the UK. Moreover, the benefits of reducing energy consumption also means less power generation from nuclear or fossil fuel power stations, in turn improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions.
On a local scale, these evergreen walls achieve several aims at once, by containing a variety of native sedums they signal the changing seasons for residents and provide a niche for wildlife with a source of food for invertebrates, as well as a home for animals such as bats and house martins. Living Walls also preserve bio-diversity and provide an attractive and varied structural landscape, which perfectly complements the natural materials, such as the timber exteriors used throughout the construction of Market Quarter.
Protection…
The dynamic Living Walls provide protection for the buildings exterior by absorbing the impact of wind, rain and ultra violet radiation, while also reducing wind loading onto neighbouring buildings.
This means that Living Walls can absorb as much as 75% of rainwater after heavy rainfall, reducing excess surface water. Furthermore, it prevents drains from overflowing and creates a welcome and safe habitat for wild flowers, butterflies and birds.
Getting the green thumbs up…
Alison Staddon, Sales and Marketing Director for Linden Homes Western comments: “With the first phase now all sold and residents moving in, interest in phase two is already mounting and it is clear that we are hitting the right note with our customers.
“Not only can they feel proud to be living in an eco-excellent development, but thanks to the various eco-measures we have introduced, they could also enjoy savings on their energy bills. Market Quarter is the perfect demonstration that you can live a greener lifestyle without sacrificing style or luxury and I’m confident that the sales success will continue to thrive.”
Location, location, Location…
Not only does Market Quarter feature one and two bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom houses, but it is set to transform this previous Brownfield site, which is at the epi-centre of all that Chippenham has to offer.
Residents who want to indulge in some retail therapy will also be spoilt for choice with numerous shops that can be found on the pedestrianised High Street, which is within walking distance of Cocklebury Road. Commuters will appreciate that the town is just four miles south of the M4 motorway, which provides access to London, Bristol and South Wales. The railway station is within walking distance and is on the main London to Bristol line with services to Bath.
Prices for a one bedroom apartment start from £142,995 and three bedroom mews home start from £225,995. For further information visit the company website at Lindenhomes.co.uk.
