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A Global Leader in Net-Zero, One Planet Living.

Pioneering Net Zero Housing in Springfield Meadows in the UK

A Global Leader in Net-Zero, One Planet Living.

A Global Leader in Net-Zero, One Planet Living.

A Global Leader in Net-Zero, One Planet Living.

Project Team

Project Value

Additional Information

Oct 5, 2023

"The body of the house is entirely made of materials that have been grown." Paloma Gormley of Practice Architecture

Springfield Meadows

This residential development in Southmoor, Oxfordshire, is an exemplary model of high-performance, low-carbon housing. It features a total of 25 zero-carbon homes (16 private and 9 affordable), with all properties built to the same exacting sustainability and performance standards. The project showcases how modern methods of construction can deliver comfortable, low-impact living.

Hero Materials

Biond Closed Timber Panels (MMC): The structural system relies on prefabricated Modular Modern Construction (MMC) Biond timber panels. This off-site construction technique allows for high precision and efficiency in the building process.

Hemp-Lime and Wood Fibre: The timber panels are insulated with natural, breathable, and low-carbon materials: hemp-lime and wood fibre. These materials contribute significantly to the homes' excellent thermal performance while using renewable resources.

Sustainability Highlights

Zero-Carbon Performance Standard: All 25 homes were rigorously built to achieve the highly efficient Passivhaus thermal performance standards. This level of airtightness and insulation ensures the buildings operate at Net-zero energy in use, drastically minimizing heating demands. The homes also achieve this without the use of gas.

Holistic 'One Planet Living' Model: The development is recognized as a Global Leader for working with Bioregional's 'One Planet Living' framework. This commitment goes beyond the physical building, addressing ten key principles that aim to make sustainable living easy and affordable for residents.

Fossil-Fuel Elimination & Ecology: The entire development is an all-electric scheme, achieved by the complete elimination of gas utilities. Furthermore, the project prioritized local ecology, benefiting from diverse shared outdoor spaces, private gardens , and an active partnership with the Local Wildlife Trust.