Charity futureproofs village housing with new Passivhaus homes - Barnes Construction

A Cambridgeshire charity is celebrating a major milestone in its latest building project to create 15 almshouses for the over 55s and a new office for its own operations.

Girton Town Charity (GTC) joined with Barnes Construction, Mole Architects and Northmores Project Managers to mark a key stage in the building programme at Dovehouse Court, with the erection of timber frame panels which will provide the structure for the new energy-efficient homes.

Built to stringent Passivhaus standards, Dovehouse Court has been designed to meet the future needs of the elderly, allowing for extended independent living including easy wheelchair access. Homes have individual terraces or balconies which open onto communal landscaped gardens, an orchard and allotments.

Passivhaus is a leading international low-energy design standard which offers a robust and proven method to help UK construction achieve carbon reduction targets set out by the Government and local authorities, leading to a sustainable future for the environment locally, nationally and globally.

This project, scheduled for completion in Autumn 2022, has recently been awarded a grant from The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, with the balance being funded by GTC.

Ann Bonnett, GTC Chair said: “As an almshouse charity, we are committed to providing homes that will meet the needs of our residents, both families and the over 55s. With Dovehouse Court, we are looking forward to having age-appropriate affordable almshouses that are not only practical and energy-efficient but also enjoyable places to live.”

Mark Hart, Joint Managing Director at Barnes Construction added: “We are pleased to be involved in this high specification project, which not only meets rigorous energy efficient design standards, but also supports the housing needs of the Girton community”.

The photo shows from left to right: Jamie Saunders, Director, Northmores; Mark Hart, Joint Managing Director, Barnes Construction; Ian Bramwell, Senior Associate, Mole Architects; Ann Bonnett, Chair Girton Town Charity; and Matthew Ramplin, Contracts Manager, Barnes Construction.