Greenhaus brings 96 highly sustainable, affordable Passivhaus homes to Chapel Street in Salford – it is the largest Passivhaus Classic Certified development in the North West
Greenhaus has been delivered by ECF – a joint venture between three of the UK’s leading regeneration and investment organisations, Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – alongside Salford housing association, Salix Homes, and supported by Salford City Council.
Built to Passivhaus Classic certified standard, the nine-storey mixed tenure development features one- and two-bedroom homes, including two accessible apartments on the ground floor, and comprises 11 homes for social rent, 13 homes for affordable rent, and 72 homes available as part of the Rent to Buy scheme.
Designed by architects Buttress, the new homes incorporate a range of benefits for occupiers including triple glazing, air source heat pumps, and the latest in insulation technology which contribute to higher thermal comfort and improved air quality.
The monthly cost of heating and hot water at Greenhaus is expected to be less than half that of a similar-sized new-build home with a gas boiler.
Outside, residents will also benefit from electric vehicle charging points and a public square complete with landscaping to foster and encourage community spirit.
A healthy living environment
The first residents have begun moving into Greenhaus, including mature student Harriette Matthews. The 29-year-old, who is studying to be a counsellor, has been staying on her dad’s sofa in his one-bedroom flat for the past seven months.
Harriette has autism and is a sufferer of scoliosis, so her difficult living conditions have been affecting both her physical and mental health. Allocated one of the 13 apartments available for affordable rent at Greenhaus, Harriette says moving into Greenhaus will transform her life.
Commenting on the completion of this ground-breaking development, Simon Hourihan, project director at Muse, said: “It is a wonderful moment to see residents moving into Greenhaus; a development that shows what can be achieved through collaboration on a shared vision and a real desire to deliver something pioneering rather than simply maintaining the status quo.”
Danielle Gillespie, director of regeneration, Partnerships and Major Projects, Homes England, commented: “The completion of Greenhaus in Salford, delivered by the English Cities Fund, is a significant achievement. The creation of new affordable, sustainable, and high specification homes contributes to a wider ambition to create healthy living environments which serve the needs and desires of local communities”.
Works due to start on second Passivhaus development
Following Greenhaus’ success, work is soon to start on a second Passivhaus development on nearby Peru Street, which will deliver a further 100 affordable and highly sustainable apartments.
Wes Erlam, managing director of Urban Regeneration, Legal & General Capital, added: “Social and environmental benefits don’t have to be add-ons to investments: it is possible to pursue and create opportunities that generate long-term, secure income streams whilst also tackling some of the major social, environmental and economic issues facing society.”
Sue Sutton, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “With the rising cost of living, a shortage in the supply of affordable and social housing, and a need to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis, Greenhaus demonstrates what can be achieved through effective partnership working, and a shared desire to create cleaner, greener, and healthier homes that are fit for the future and won’t need retrofitting.
“To help use the development’s green credentials effectively, Salix Homes will also be embarking on a careful education and monitoring process, supporting residents to get the most of out of their new homes. We’ll be monitoring the air quality and energy usage, so we can track the long-term benefits and identify lessons learned for future developments.”
