We've contributed to new guidance on air-to-water heat pumps
Greenhaus
Greenhaus is an all-electric social housing project that helps manage both emissions and energy costs for occupants while delivering outstanding quality and comfort.
Key information
Architect
Buttress
Client
Muse Developments
Value
£20M
Year of Completion
2024
Sector
Services
Challenge
Part of the Salford regeneration masterplan, Greenhaus is the first project of its kind in the northwest of England and the biggest Passivhaus social housing scheme in the region. Located in the heart of the city, the nine-storey development offers 96 one and two-bedroom affordable homes, with retail space on the ground floor.
The homes benefit from triple-glazed windows, excellent levels of airtightness, and carefully installed insulation, resulting in minimal energy use for heating and cooling. As an all-electric project, Greenhaus supports the transition to low-carbon energy sources, incorporating energy generation from solar photovoltaic panels (PV), with domestic hot water produced by air-source heat pumps.
Located opposite Salford Cathedral, the project also includes new public electric vehicle parking spaces and a public square.
Properties built to Passivhaus standards enjoy reduced heating energy consumption of around 90% compared to traditional housing stock, and 70% compared to typical new builds, helping residents to reduce their fuel bills and cut their carbon footprint.
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Design-stage render vs. photograph of the final scheme
© Gavin Stewart (2nd image)
Post-occupancy evaluation (POE)
We have undertaken a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of 15 flats within the Greenhaus development, which enabled us to understand how the development is performing and to identify and resolve any operational issues.
The one-year post-occupancy process involved capturing information about the building's internal environment through the installation of temporary temperature and air quality sensors, analysing energy metering, including installing some temporary sub-meters, as well as collecting residents' perceptions of the environment through occupant surveys and interviews. We reviewed the information gathered quarterly and presented it to the housing association and developer.
The results showed that the development achieved an overall energy use intensity of 64 kWh/m2[whole building GIA]/yr, with both the space heating and hot water aligning closely with the modelling carried out in the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP). The main deviation was in the small power/plug-in loads, which were higher than in the modelling.
Air quality results were extremely positive across the monitored homes. Summer and winter temperatures were generally within expected limits. It was found that some residents struggled with the heating controls of the direct electric radiators. This has been taken forward as a lesson learnt for future projects, and additional training was carried out with residents.
Quote
“We continue to be immensely proud of the innovation and drive to deliver forward thinking, sustainable developments in Salford – testament to the culture our city fosters and shares with our broader region. The regeneration of Salford is burgeoning and our future looking brighter and greener with each and every milestone we reach. We also work to ensure that local people can benefit for the growth and development that is taking place here – creating new jobs and opportunities for all.”
Gallery
Total of 3 images
© Gavin Stewart
© Gavin Stewart
© Gavin Stewart
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