Incorporating eco technologies into new housing design should be at the pinnacle of every architect’s brief. With the Government’s recent reassurance that the UK’s green agenda will not be compromised by the current economic crisis, the construction and architectural industries must continue to advance the seamless integration of renewable energy technologies into our future homes, says VELUX.

Rather than an ‘add-on’ or afterthought, eco technology must be incorporated in the early stages of design. From the building design concept, eco technologies need to be considered, to ensure that the most appropriate product is used to achieve maximum energy savings and a seamless fit.

Kevin Brennan, Head of Sustainability, VELUX Company Ltd, comments:

“It really is essential that architects and housebuilders incorporate the most suitable eco technologies into new building design from the very beginning. Not only will this aid the Government’s new drive to increase the production of renewable energy for our homes, announced in the Pre Budget Report, but it will improve the sustainable credentials of our housing stock. Incorporating eco technologies needs to become an inaugural part of the design process and if an architect gets it right, eco technologies can actually enhance the visual appearance of the home, rather than detracting from it.

“As solar thermal remains one of the most cost effective and tried and tested of today’s eco technologies, incorporating this into all our new housing stock would be the perfect starting point. Our solar hot water system is design led and does not mean that the housebuilder, the architect or the consumer has to compromise on style. Our unique flashings kit means that our solar collectors fit discreetly on any roof – blending perfectly with both modern and traditional architecture.”

Matthew Hoad of Zedfactory, is an advocate of the VELUX Solar Hot Water System and has even installed a system in his own home, as part of a zero carbon upgrade:

“Renewable energy technologies are playing an increasingly important role in new home design and build and it is vital that architects get on board and understand the true value of including technologies such as solar water heating into their future projects.

“Installing solar thermal onto south facing roof slopes of new and existing homes is one of the best ways to reduce energy bills and save CO2 emissions. Systems such as the VELUX solar hot water system are simple to fit, and installed the same way as a VELUX window which is simple to do and does not compromise on design. It is vital that today’s architects take every opportunity to future proof new and retrofit existing homes with renewable energy technology- solar thermal should be top of the list.”

The VELUX solar collector has been designed to integrate perfectly into traditional and modern architecture; enhancing the levels of sustainability without compromising the property’s aesthetics or character.

The integrated design also allows the system to be easily incorporated into older homes and, whether fitted alongside roof windows or on its own, it is simple to order and install, the entire system being supplied as a single stock item.

As with all other plumbing, pipes and fittings are neatly concealed within the external envelope of the building, ensuring an uncluttered roofline. In addition, the solar tank integrates easily with the heating system within the home and is compatible with most types of auxiliary heating such as gas, oil or solid fuel boilers.

Email: l.marshall@wriglesworth.com