Gap Homes, a concept design of factory constructed, contemporary and cost-effective eco-homes, has been launched by the architects from international firm BDP’s Bristol studio. BDP is sponsoring the Bristol Housing Festival, which opens this week on the 19th of October with the launch exhibition that will showcase creative and innovative
Exhibiting at the inaugural exhibition of the Bristol Housing Festival in October is ZEDPods, the company behind a new high-quality prefabricated housing solution developed to address the shortage in affordable housing across the UK and the lack of city centre building spaces. People attending the festival can visit a complete
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Gap Homes, a concept design of factory constructed, contemporary and cost-effective eco-homes, has been launched by the architects from international firm BDP’s Bristol studio. BDP is sponsoring the Bristol Housing Festival, which opens this week on the 19th of October with the launch exhibition that will showcase creative and innovative housing solutions. The new Gap Home prototype, designed specifically for small plots of land in towns and cities will also be present. “We are in dire need of new homes for a new generation. BDP’s eco Gap Homes will be quickly constructed, cost effective, sustainable and, most important of all, stylish, comfortable and practical to live in,” said Nick Fairham, architect director in BDO’s Bristol studio. “Disused garage plots on existing housing estates are an ideal location for these homes. Many of them have fallen into disrepair, becoming a magnet for everything from fly tipping to anti-social behaviour. Putting new, attractive and carefully designed houses in their place will not only help deliver much-need new homes, it will also bring new energy and life into these areas, revitalising neighbourhoods and helping to build stronger, more resilient communities,” he added. The eco-homes will be made in hi-tech factory conditions and assembled on site up to 40% faster than traditional construction, helping people move into their new homes sooner. Using smart design to make the best possible use of space, the homes incorporate maximum light and height and sophisticated design and storage solutions to give a sense of space, along with low energy services for modern living. With sustainability at the heart of Gap Home, the factory conditions used for the homes’ construction minimises on-site waste by up to 75% and uses materials that mean the final building has minimal energy requirements for heating, low energy lighting and renewable energy provision through solar panels on the roof, making them low carbon and low in running costs. In addition, due to the standardised elements and factory production, the homes can be produced at volume, keeping prices down whilst helping to meet high demand. A palette of materials and designs will be available allowing people to customise their own homes, including internal finishes, kitchens and bathrooms. The size of garage plots and other small urban spaces means the homes will have a compact footprint. Whilst meeting national space standards they will be an affordable option for first time buyers and those looking to downsize in later life.
Exhibiting at the inaugural exhibition of the Bristol Housing Festival in October is ZEDPods, the company behind a new high-quality prefabricated housing solution developed to address the shortage in affordable housing across the UK and the lack of city centre building spaces. People attending the festival can visit a complete ZEDPod starter home that comes fully fitted, ready for immediate occupation. The pods offer a high-quality housing solution that can be erected within days and generates more energy than it uses. Designed by RIBA award winning architect Bill Dunster, the zero-carbon ZEDPods are prefabricated homes with a difference, offering almost instant housing solutions without the land and site issues associated with conventional new build. “Importantly the ZEDPod concept decouples housing provision from land prices using air rights over car parks. This enables affordable, quality city homes where land is scarce or expensive to be put up quickly, helping keyworkers to live near their work and at the same time maintaining precious parking spaces,” explained Bill Dunster. Small but perfectly formed, each ZEDPod is a fully ‘Space Standards’ compliant home, providing a high performance, low energy housing solution, delivered at a fraction of the cost of comparable solutions, with minimal demand on existing services and infrastructure. Features include photovoltaic roof panels, integrated battery storage and heat pumps for domestic hot water, together with super insulated construction and triple glazed windows. Each unit incorporates its own front door and private balcony area. Inside is a fully fitted kitchen and dining area and a lounging space with TV. Stairs lead to a mezzanine floor with home office desk, double bed, good sized bathroom, wardrobe and storage space. The ZEDPod homes come in a variety of design options and can be tailored to a range of accommodation needs. They are ideal for city centre organisations including City Councils and Housing Associations, colleges and universities, hospitals and emergency services, as well as other private sector companies with extensive city centre car parking assets.
