Barratt Developments’ “Z House” is the first zero carbon house by a major housebuilder to substantially surpass the Future Homes Standard by delivering a carbon reduction of 125%*. Last year Barratt announced that all its new homes will be zero carbon by 2030, and to help achieve this goal, carbon neutral Silestone® by Cosentino’s Cincel Grey surface has been specified throughout the kitchen of this project. Built with over 40 industry partners to showcase the future of sustainable living, the property set on the main campus at the University of Salford will be occupied and monitored to assess its performance over time. It will also be an industry showcase home to demonstrate what is achievable, particularly from a mainstream, volume housebuilder
The Symphony kitchen’s worksurface and splashback are made from Cosentino’s Silestone® in Cincel Grey. Available in 2cm and 3cm thicknesses with a velvety Suede texture, the neutral colourway complements a wide range of kitchen styles and colours, from classic Shaker designs to contemporary high-gloss slab doors. It is part of Cosentino’s Sunlit Days Collection, the first carbon neutral collection in the quartz surfaces and engineered stone market, which also features the pioneering and exclusive HybriQ+® technology. Characterised by the company’s commitment to the environment, the circular economy and sustainable management, the manufacturing process of HybriQ® technology uses 99% reused water from the production processes and 100% renewable electric energy. HybriQ+® also includes a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition, alongside mineral raw materials. The result is a timeless worksurface with high-spec performance, hygiene certification and a 25-year warranty.
Further demonstrating Cosentino’s commitment to sustainable surfaces, the CO2 emissions of the entire life cycle of the Sunlit Days series has been offset by calculating its carbon footprint, reducing impact and offsetting its emissions by continually participating in voluntary offsetting projects, which are certified and in the framework of the Voluntary Carbon Market. The initiative is also complemented by a partnership programme for the preservation of the seabed.
“We want to showcase what can be done to deliver zero carbon living using the latest technologies and working with the best industry partners,” says David Thomas, Chief Executive at Barratt Developments. “Ultimately, the aim is to find solutions to enable the industry to build high quality, zero carbon homes that customers love, at scale. We can then share this knowledge to help the industry deliver the future of sustainable housing.”
Designed to show just what is achievable for the housebuilding market in terms of sustainability, the Z House is a great example of how homes could look in the next few decades. Barratt Developments began by challenging its supply chain partners to bring in the most cutting-edge products to help reduce its carbon footprint. The result combines a Symphony kitchen made from 100% recycled chipboard, Silestone® carbon neutral worktops and splashback, a stainless steel Franke sink made from 80% recycled materials and a 4-in-1 filtered boiling water tap. The house itself is made from a closed panel timber frame with highly insulated cladding and comes with EV charging points, PV solar panels and battery storage. The interior also includes electronic hands-free taps to reduce water consumption and a smart electric tariff that automatically moves energy usage to access the cheapest rates. The Z house will be lived in and monitored over time to assess its performance.
* Measured against 2013 ADL1a but using Future Homes metrics and targets.
