Sheffield’s first ‘net zero in operation’ council homes were lifted into position at the Duffield Place site in Woodseats in August
The ‘net zero in operation’ homes were built in a factory using a light gauge steel frame before being moved to the site. This form of modular construction is known as ‘volumetric off-site’.
Sheffield City Council collaborated with ZEDPODS Ltd to create six self-contained single-person, high-quality homes.
The homes include energy-efficient features
A team of architects used a ‘fabric-first’ approach that ensured that all walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and roofs were super-insulated. Each home is entirely electric and has been fitted with heat pumps and mounted solar photovoltaic panels.
“These houses will be of the very best design in terms of environmental performance and internal specifications, providing ultra-low energy bills for residents,” said Tom Northway, chairman at ZED PODS Ltd.
“Our in-house team has worked closely with the client in every stage – from concept design to planning, from offsite fabrication of modules to training their maintenance team before the modules were brought to the site,” he continued.
The entirety of the in-use carbon emissions will be offset, meaning the homes qualify as ‘Net Zero Operational Carbon’. Running costs for residents will be significantly reduced and will help the council’s target of being net zero by 2030. A whole life cycle carbon assessment is also underway to evaluate every environmental impact of the scheme over its lifetime.
Using MMC on ‘net zero in operation’ council homes
Work began in March 2023 while homes were being manufactured off-site. This method meant construction was reduced by up to 50% compared to a typical project. The disruptive effects of construction on the local community were also greatly reduced. The new homes are expected to be finished by winter 2023/24.
The Council will use the homes to provide access to affordable housing for people who have previously been homeless. The council will look to place these individuals into a permanent home within two to three years.
The project is part of Sheffield City Council’s plans for a Stock Increase Programme, which included investment from the council and the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The Council has also received feedback from people who have previously used housing support services as part of the Changing Futures Sheffield scheme.
“I am delighted to see the council deliver its first ‘net zero in operation’ council homes – this is an important step for the city as we continue to find ways to address the net zero challenge and reduce the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on our residents. I look forward to visiting the new homes, and I will be particularly keen to talk to residents about their experience of living in these homes,” commented Douglas Johnson, chair of Sheffield City Council’s Housing Committee.
