Lovell is working with Tarmac Limited to build two concept homes at the University of Nottingham in order to provide housebuilders and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) with a blueprint for low cost, scaleable zero-carbon housing which has the potential to be replicated across the UK.

The semi-detached properties, which will be built to Levels 6 and 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes (CfSH) are the next phase of the University of Nottingham's Creative Energy Homes project and will demonstrate that the highest levels of the CfSH can be attained by using traditional masonry products and techniques.

Tarmac and project partners Lovell, ZEDfactory Ltd architects and the University of Nottingham’s School of the Built Environment also aim to understand how the highest levels of the CfSH translate into practical reality.

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The project will also tackle some of the industry myths that still surround the CfSH, including misconceptions relating to the Green Code product specification and the optimum mix of renewables required for Code Level 6 properties.

Once built, both properties will provide accommodation for visiting academics at the University of Nottingham and a major programme of monitoring will analyse the energy usage and thermal efficiency as well as how occupants potentially have to adapt to living in a Code Level 6 property.

Phil Sabin, Tarmac's Business Development Manager said: "While there are a number of zero-carbon concept homes, many of these are one-off, concept properties which are not occupied or they are costly 'Grand Designs' which do not provide an affordable solution to tackle the problem of volume zero-carbon housing.

"Despite current economic challenges, the Government's 2016 zero-carbon target for all new properties still remains and it is vital that we use this test-bed project to demonstrate to the construction industry how zero-carbon can be delivered at low cost and with traditional masonry products and products."

The Tarmac Homes will be completed by September 2009.

(CD/JM)