Projects

Merging Community and Sustainability at Gwynfaen Farm in Swansea, Wales

Hoare Lea, part of the Tetra Tech High Performance Buildings Group, provided net zero carbon and sustainability services for Gwynfaen Farm, a ground-breaking housing development in Swansea.

Challenge

Similar to any trailblazing development, Gwynfaen is a melting pot of new ideas and concepts. Integration of modern technology such as battery storage, electric heat pumps, and photovoltaic generation needed to be seamlessly integrated into the homes while keeping them future-proofed and user-friendly. We also needed to find a harmony between fulfilling the client’s sustainability aspirations and avoiding maintenance and operational challenges.

Solution

We hand-selected the technologies that best suited the development and its desire to have high levels of thermal efficiency. To give our client confidence in the solutions, we projected the annual and monthly energy costs that residents could incur, along with outlining maintenance costs, time periods, and operational life data.

			Benefits		

							These unique homes will not only be sustainable, but will also enhance the local area, thanks to naturally sourced materials and a strong emphasis on place. Landscaped areas and a village green suitable for families of all ages will, in turn, create a genuine sense of community. 						

The 144 homes in the ground-breaking Gwynfaen Farm housing development will eventually become net positive.

At a glance

Client

Gwynfaen Farm

Architect

Stride Treglown

Completion date

2024

Services

Net zero carbon, sustainability consulting

Project by

Hoare Lea