Cambridge Readies for Open Eco-Homes Event

The city of Cambridge is preparing to host its third annual Open Eco-Homes event, organised by local energy-efficiency charity Cambridge Carbon Footprint. During the event, some 25 properties in Cambridge will be opening their doors to the public and showing off the various features that make them truly green, features such as underfloor heating, solar panels and ground heat pumps. One of the properties in question is in Auckland Road, and is home to architects Jeremy Ashworth and Emma Parkes. Their simple solution for energy-efficiency and a low carbon footprint is effective insulation and double glazing throughout, which traps and funnels the heat generated by their ground level underfloor heating. Rising heat warms the upper floors while many skylights help to capture natural light to save on artificial lighting. The final layer of insulation is an attractive wildflower roof. Another property is the dream-child of architect Ian Steen, who lives on Mill Way in Grantchester.

His eco-home is a ‘work in progress’, powering his underfloor heating and hot water with a ground source heat pump, while using photovoltaic cells and low-energy appliances to keep bills down.