How do you build developments that are zero carbon? How can you design super energy efficient homes? These questions and more were being answered at a master class hosted by Hockerton Housing Project.

Hockerton is a community of five houses in Nottinghamshire, one of the first zero carbon developments in the UK. The architects were Brenda and Robert Vale – made famous for designing the autonomous house in nearby Southwell.

The houses are equipped throughout with meters, monitors and sensors, resulting in a unique record of life in a zero carbon home. There are no boilers, radiators or indeed any sort of heating as each property has been designed to make maximum use of the heat of the sun through passive solar gain.

The development uses renewable technology to provide its electricity needs through a 6 kw proven wind turbine, a 5 kw Iskra turbine and a 7.6 kw solar array. The community also has a self-sufficient water and sewage system.

While t... Read more