The Kingspan Lighthouse project has been successfully completed achieving level 6 (the highest level) of the Code for Sustainable Homes. This level of environmental concern will become mandatory after 2016. The project was completed as part of the British Research Establishment (BRE)’s OFFSITE2007 exhibition which bought together the most exciting new methods and technologies to deliver higher performing low carbon, sustainable and smarter buildings.

Designed by Sheppard Robson, the lighthouse project balances the requirements of an eco-home with the necessity of the house to also become a home. For sustainable building practices to become effective they must also be practical. People must want to live in a home built to environmental standards.

Upon launching the demonstration house Yvette Cooper, Minister for Housing & Planning stated "e;A quarter of carbon emissions come from our homes. That’s why zero carbon homes are so important. We need a complete revolution in the way we design and build our homes.”

Every material of the 1004 sq. ft, two and a half storey, two bedroom house has been specified for its ability to optimise the house design’s overall sustainability credentials. The project uses a combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy generation to give a total fuel cost of just £31 per year.

December 2007