Holborough homeowners reduce their carbon footprints

A home energy efficiency expert from Canada has recently visited a Kent housing development to check its pioneering energy saving and air improving efficient technology is running smoothly. Berkeley Homes (South East London) Ltd’s Holborough scheme near Snodland, which is built from sustainable timber sources, features innovative Super E technology in all its homes.

This system uses superior insulation and a whole house ventilation system to offer controlled humidity, improved air quality and reduced heat loss, which results in greater energy efficiency and a healthier living environment.

Super E Quality Assurance manager Amanda Sinnige flew in from Toronto to run spot checks on a number of different homes at Holborough, including that of Louise Randall and Robert Samuels who bought a three bedroom detached property in July 2006.

Amanda sat down with Louise and Robert to talk through their initial impressions of Super E and to see if they had noticed any differences from previous houses they have lived in.

When they move into their new home, every homeowner at Holborough is given a certificate from the Canadian government to show their home possesses Super E technology and has passed initial efficiency tests. To ensure homes at the development continue to achieve the standards required, Super E run regular audits to check everything has been installed correctly and is working efficiently.

Amanda also conducted air tests using specialist equipment to measure how airtight the house was. She checked the heat recovery ventilator upstairs, which regulates the air distribution to every room in the house to keep the humidity and temperature constant throughout. The air in a typical UK house changes on average 12-15 times per hour. The air in a Super E house changes less than 1.5 times per hour.

Amanda commented: “I think it’s important to spot check homes to ensure their Super E systems are working correctly. I also find it very useful to talk to homeowners about the technology, ensuring they know all there is to know about Super E and are confident about how to make the most of their Super E home.”

The audit finished with a walk through of the house to conduct final manual checks for air leaks. While checking the house and conducting the tests, Amanda explained to Louise and Robert what she was doing, giving advice about how best to use the Super E system and how often they should clean the system’s air filters.

Robert and Louise commented: “We are enjoying living in our Super E house. The air seems fresher and our energy bills are already much lower than in our old house. It’s been interesting to meet Amanda and find out a bit more about what Super E is and what it does.”

All properties at Holborough feature New England inspired exteriors with pastel-coloured weatherboarding that blends seamlessly with the rural surroundings. The properties cleverly combine traditional exteriors with modern interiors to create a distinctive look and feel. Large windows make the most of natural light and the surrounding countryside, while thoughtfully designed kitchens include a range of Bosch fully integrated stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms feature contemporary wall tiling and stylish sanitary ware by Hansgrohe and Villeroy and Boch.

Holborough boasts a rural location but is well placed for host of local, national and international transport connections. The M25, M2 and M20 are all within easy reach. The towns of Rochester, Strood and West Malling are also close by and provide an excellent variety of leisure facilities and fascinating places to explore.

With an average journey time into the City of about one hour, Holborough is well placed for commuting into London.

Prices at Birchleigh start from £170,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, and from £260,000 for a three-bedroom, two-storey house. For further information on Birchleigh and the Holborough development, visit Holborough.co.uk.