Stawell is situated in the lea of the Polden Hills, above the Somerset Levels, and near several designated havens for wildlife. The new homes will blend both traditional and contemporary design, which will help to ensure a healthy internal environment with low heating and electricity bills. The houses will be built to level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

• zero-carbon

The houses are designed to be zero-carbon in operation as the onsite generation, in the form of PV cells and solar thermal panels, offsets the demand of the essential services i.e. lighting, water- and space-heating. Any supplementary heating requirement is from wood pellets which are a carbon-neutral fuel. A ++ Fridge freezer and dishwasher are provided.

• zero-waste

The development operates a waste management plan to reduce waste and maximise recycling.

• sustainable water

All properties have 2,500 litre rainwater harvesting systems, water butts and low flow taps and showers as well as dual flush toilets as standard.

• local and sustainable building materials

All timber used on site will be from certified sustainable FSC sources. Local labour is used for the majority of the work. Natural materials are used for flooring while avoiding throughout the use of PVC, solvents, glues and chemical based synthetic paints.

• sustainable transport

There will be an electric charging point. There are good transport links at Bridgwater, five miles away, where there’s a mainline train link, with hourly services to Bristol and London and a regular bus service from the village.

Living Villages specialises in designing and building energy efficient, environmentally friendly and socially sustainable new communities. Features include a range of energy-saving and renewable energy-generating technologies, such as solar panels and solar water heaters, high-performance triple-glazing, super-insulated timber frames and heat exchange units.

• zero-carbon

Hot water is from solar panels (PV is optional) and houses are oriented to sun for warmth and triple insulated. Biomass boilers provide heat. Top up electricity is from 100% renewable supplier Good Energy.

• zero-waste

Organic waste is composted in a separate composting area; non-organic matter is recycled by residents at nearby point.

• sustainable water

Rainwater and rainwater run-off is collected and used for irrigation; reduced flush toilets; low flow taps and shower heads installed.

• local and sustainable building materials

Sand, gravel and lime are locally sourced, and the flagstones – and as much as possible - are reclaimed. Timber is from sustainable sources – FSC approved.

• sustainable transport

Car ports are positioned behind the houses so there is no traffic in the village itself; a car sharing scheme operates informally at present.

The properties blend seamlessly with the mature woodland in the grounds of the 376-acre National Trust owned Cliveden Estate, and are constructed from materials that are natural, renewable, sustainable or recyclable. Homes are equipped with low energy external lighting, dual flush toilets, bicycle storage and water butts. Residents have access to a range of recycling facilities.

• zero-carbon

Improved insulation and air tightness standards and use of energy efficient lighting and white goods have been implemented. All units except ground floor apartments have solar hot water systems and mechanical heat recovery ventilation units.

• zero-waste

A provision of recycling facilities in each household for waste has been provided and a site wide composting scheme initiated. Waste is segregated to ensure timber and hardcore is recycled. Subcontractors are required to dispose of their own waste. Large volume skips are used to reduce construction vehicle movements.

• sustainable water

Reduction in water use through specification of low volume fittings to taps and toilets has been implemented. All surface water is kept on site via deep bored soakaways in the chalk and rainwater is collected. All houses are equipped with water butts.

• local and sustainable building materials

A-rated materials from the Green Guide to Specification, including FSC sourced timber, are used. Materials from the original brownfield site and construction waste have been recycled where possible for use in the streets and substructures, including use of reclaimed crushed concrete from former hospital buildings onsite. Internal use of PVC in wiring, ducting, drainage, rainwater goods, doors, windows and cladding has been avoided. Only low volatile organic chemical fittings and finishes, and materials of low embodied energy and of low/zero ozone depleting potential have been used.

• sustainable transport

Traffic calmed areas have been created through use of different road finishes and private spaces such as mews and courtyards. Cycle storage facilities have been provided for each unit. There are regular train services from nearby Taplow and Burnham to negate the need to use motorised vehicles.