1930s upgrade comes in 60% below requirements of Building Regulations

60% lower carbon emissions than required by the Building Regulations has been achieved in the refurbishment of a run-down 1930s common lodging house to provide high-tech homes and offices in Leeds. Working to a brief drawn up by developers CITU Eco Modern Living and architect West & Machell, Thomasons delivered this innovative low-energy solution for Shaftesbury House, which achieves Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

The redevelopment provides 172 apartments and 1400 m2 of Grade A office space. Design features include ground-source boreholes with deep boreholes, recycling of grey water and rain water, solar-thermal panels, wind turbines to power lifts and communal areas and high levels of thermal insulation.

Residents can monitor energy use and utility bills via their television via the IP network.

The project has been shortlisted for the Yorkshire RIBA White Rose awards.

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