RE:GEN Group is embarking on a new venture by constructing a collection of contemporary and affordable bungalows
Situated on Tintern Road in St Helen Auckland, County Durham, 23 new homes will be the first residential development for the RE:GEN Group.
The homes are being built in response to increasing demand for bungalows in the Bishop Auckland area. They will have a specific focus on meeting the needs of older individuals and those with special accessibility needs.
The affordable bungalows will also be energy efficient
Each home has been designed to include cutting-edge energy efficiency measures. These are integrated into the building’s structure. The layouts have been planned to allow for adaptability, ensuring they can be modified to accommodate the specific requirements of future tenants.
“This is such an exciting time for the team as we embark on our first new build housing project. We’re a multifaceted regeneration specialist, delivering best-in-class solutions to the social housing sector across the Northeast,” said Lee Francis, CEO of RE:GEN Group.
“Thanks to the drive and expertise of the people I work with, in just over two years, we have grown our portfolio from delivering exceptional refurbishment and green solutions to now offering new build services,” he added.
Construction commenced in May 2023. It is hoped they will be ready for affordable rental opportunities through Durham Key Options, County Durham’s lettings partnership, by the summer of 2024.
“We’ve worked with RE:GEN Group on numerous successful projects, from garage refurbishments to upgrading the energy efficiency of more than 1,000 homes. We’re pleased to be now working with them on this development as we continue to deliver high-quality homes where they are needed,” said Kate Abson, director of development at Believe Housing.
The development fits with Believe Housing’s vision of providing future-ready homes that are designed and built in environmentally conscious ways. This reflects Believe Housing’s commitment to delivering sustainable housing solutions that contribute positively to the environment.
The site will not use any gas heating
This site will be completely off-gas. Each affordable bungalow will be installed with an air-source heat pump. These extract use outside air to heat the property and provide hot water. The pumps are quiet and will have a minimal impact on the neighbours.
Real-world monitoring has shown that air-source heat pumps are three times more efficient than gas boilers and can operate with high efficiency, even in cold weather.
According to a recent study, air-source heat pumps within hybrid systems can fulfil approximately 39% of the space heating requirements. They have a median heat pump efficiency of 2.37.
The affordable bungalows will feature solar panels and batteries. These are positioned to maximise energy generation without reducing storage capacity. Electric vehicle charging points and private parking will improve convenience for residents.
There will be access to open spaces, offering opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Properties will consist of two or three-bedroom bungalows designed with wet rooms to cater to specific accessibility needs.
