Stonewood Partnerships has held a Topping Out Ceremony for its latest development, Orchard Field in Siddington, south of Cirencester.

Orchard Field is a selection of 88 sustainable new homes in the Gloucestershire countryside.

The energy efficient homes have been designed using individual sealed timber panels filled with recycled glass fibre insulation to ensure the properties are draught-free and means that the energy efficient air source heat pumps and mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) systems will cut energy bills by up to 70% compared to standard new build homes. Furthermore, the new homes feature triple glazed windows to reduce heat loss and increase interior radiant temperature, and solar photovoltaic panels to supply electricity and reduce carbon emissions.

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By adopting a number of new initiatives, Stonewood has further supported the sustainability of the Orchard Field project along with supporting the local community. Measures have included using local suppliers and trades wherever possible to reduce the effects of transport, considered working practices including sending any wood shavings from construction to a local pig farm, the creation of community spaces including a forest school as well as working with The Soil Association to create an area to grow food crops within the development.

Recently crowned the Federation of Master Builders' Master Builder of the Year 2021, Stonewood is already working with a leading commercial sustainability consultancy, Wanderlands, to drive down its carbon footprint by assessing its carbon footprint, looking at ways of reducing it as much as possible and undertaking a programme of tree-planting and other sustainable measures at its developments, or on sites nearby, to offset its net carbon residue.

Stonewood Chief Operating Officer Ben Lang commented: "Orchard Field is an exciting project and a true demonstration of Stonewood’s commitment to sustainable development all the way through from using innovative building systems designed to reduce carbon emissions throughout the build process to the high-quality building materials which ensure that these homes will last longer. "