The pioneering social housing development of Sinclair Meadows in Tyneside has been heralded as the UK’s first Carbon Zero project. Designed by Fitz Architects, the development was the winner of ‘Best New Affordable Housing Scheme’ – Housing Excellence Awards 2013 and ‘Innovation’ – Constructing Excellence Awards North East 2013.
The challenge for Fitz Architects was “to design a ‘carbon negative’ social housing scheme on a former car park site with many constraints including trees, busy roads, neighbouring properties and services below ground. The solution was 21 environmentally responsible dwellings which also are ‘carbon negative’ in energy use. Among others, the scheme is designed to maximise passive solar gains, natural surveillance and be an exemplar in the use of natural, breathable materials. The highly innovative project has been designed to exceed Code 6 of The Code for Sustainable Homes.”
The project used a combination of building materials all chosen as renewable, for their sustainable credentials, and ability to contribute to the carbon negative target. Two leading Canadian research organisations have identified that in spite of over 16000 km of transport that Cedar Shingles still represent a nett carbon sink upon delivery. That’s to say more carbon is stored than is emitted during harvest, manufacture and transport. Needless to say that all the cedar comes from sustainably managed and accredited forests (PEFC); with some of the world’s toughest regulations.
The Western Red Cedar JB Shingles were chosen for the roof covering. Specification of the building envelope can make significant contributions to the building’s thermal performance. Using Cedar shingles can deliver very low thermal conductivity (K=0.1067 W/m°C at 12 per cent moisture content) compared to traditional slate or tiles. In addition to being a naturally sustainable building material, Western Red Cedar Shingle and Shakes are recognised as the best thermal insulators against the most commonly available softwoods.
JB Shingles require very little maintenance after installation. As with all roofing solutions, general husbandry is required, such as removing moss and debris from the roof and checking rainwater outlets. Once installed no further maintenance is required on the shingles themselves.