Green apartments that turn rubbish into energy

Luton, UK (27th June 2009) - The apartments will use solar collectors and wind turbines, and would turn waste materials into energy to keep heating bills down to around £100 per year. It is all part of Milieu Architects’ ambitious plans for ‘Luton’s first environmentally responsible development’.

Peter Lunter, The Project Architect, said:

“The project has been designed to achieve nearly all Zero Energy Development standards, and hence the block has minimum space heating requirements. The scheme employs a wide range of sustainable features that contribute to its code 5 for Sustainable Homes rating where the grade 6 is the zero carbon level. However, the project has a pre designed upgrade path to full Zero Energy status.”

The plan involves developing the derelict, recently crime-ridden site on the northern side of Collingdon Street in Luton, and could spark an ‘urban renaissance’, according to businessman Jan Telensky whose company has proposed building the apartments.

The scheme, formally known as ‘Low Energy Apartments (LEA) project’, is already receiving the support and co-operation of Luton Borough Council as it has been submitted to approach the planning stages, and Milieu Architects, which is made up of former University of Luton students, is confident that it will become a reality by the end of 2010.

The idea of the innovative project is that it will provide environmentally sound housing and social facilities at an affordable cost and make a considerable contribution towards environmental sustainability, while enhancing the sense of community by regenerating the site into an attractive residential area.

The building would be topped with visually attractive green roofs whose structural function is designed to protect the waterproofing layer from extreme temperature and abrasion, produce oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide production.

Other key sustainable features include construction from thermal materials that store heat during warm months and release it during the colder months.

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Core facts - Key sustainable features

· The building is constructed from thermally massive materials that store heat during warm months and release it during the colder months. Further enhancement is achieved through a high performance thermal insulation, good weather-tightness and integration of winter gardens (sun rooms).
· Combined heat and power plant that uses waste wood that would otherwise go to landfill.
· Wind turbines – harvesting the wind to power low energy electrical appliances and low energy lighting.
· Roof is covered in water-powered solar collectors that are assisting with space and water heating.
· Green Roofs – visually attractive green roofs protect the waterproofing layer from extreme temperatures and abrasion. It provides natural habitat and reduces CO2 and produces oxygen.
· South façade features sun rooms that are heated by the sun.


Links to high-resolution images

Low Energy Apartments – Sustainability Features
http://www.flickr.com/photos/milieuarchitects/3632524397/
Low Energy Apartments – Visual
http://www.flickr.com/photos/milieuarchitects/3631479833/
Existing Site – Collingdon Street
http://www.flickr.com/photos/milieuarchitects/3631562253/
Milieu Architects logo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/milieuarchitects/3629762027/


Media contacts

Marko Minka for Milieu Architects
+44 (0)77 3780 3686
marko@milieuarchitects.com
www.twitter.com/MarkoMinka

Sona Jarabicova for Mr. Telensky
+44 (0)78 2580 5690
jarabicovas@ringpowersolutions.co.uk

About Milieu Architects
Milieu is a London-based practice of creative architects, masterplanners and urban designers that is defined by bold conceptual idea, a fresh approach in design of striking buildings, and economical and environmental responsibilities right in the heart of design process. Whilst continuing to develop its excellent reputation within luxury leisure markets, as part of the company’s dedication to the urban regeneration agenda, Milieu is also currently enjoying increased recognition within the mixed-use and retail sectors. A truly international operation, Milieu’s design team draws on skills from around the world with schemes being used across the UK, in Germany, Malaysia, Portugal, China, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lebanon, and Slovakia. http://www.milieuarchitects.com/