Nine zero-carbon houses installed in Cardiff after being built off site

Alex Seabrook, local democracy reporter

Developers are installing nine innovative zero-carbon houses in Roath, Cardiff, after building them off site.

The two-bedroom terraced houses are being installed on a previously empty plot off land on the corner of Crofts Road and Partridge Road.

Building most of the houses off site means they can be installed “in record time” with new technology meaning the houses will be very well insulated and not connected to the gas mains.

The houses will have solar panels on their roofs, and electric heating, so future residents are expected to have very cheap energy bills. Offsite construction should also mean less disruption to neighbours.

Edward Rees, residential regional director at Wates, said: “It is incredible to see this unused plot of land transformed into affordable homes. We care about the communities in which we operate and aim to design and build homes that put local people first.

“By using innovative modern methods of construction, we’re not only able to deliver these units just five weeks from now, but we are also creating homes that will support Cardiff and its residents in reducing their energy consumption and contributing to a more sustainable future.

“We are committed to eliminating waste and carbon from our operations by 2025, well ahead of the government’s own environmental targets, and we’re working collaboratively with customers, supply chain and joint venture partners to find better and more innovative ways to reduce waste, reduce energy consumption and enhance the natural environment.”

‘Exciting’

Wates is working with Cardiff council in huge plans to build 1,500 new homes across 40 sites in Cardiff over 10 years. These nine houses will be available for people currently on the council’s housing waiting list.

The site opposite the Crofts pub used to be home to the Cardiff Scientific Laboratory, which was demolished in 2016, and the land has lain empty for years since then. Planning permission for the homes was granted in 2019.

Councillor Lynda Thorne, cabinet member for housing and communities, said: “The installation of the modular units at Crofts Street is a very exciting day for us as we have eagerly been awaiting their arrival.

“Increasing the availability of affordable housing for people in Cardiff is a high priority for the council, but we also want to make sure that the new homes we are delivering are good quality properties that are as ‘green’ as they possibly can be for the benefits of our tenants by reducing fuel poverty and the benefit of our wider population, because it’s the right, sustainable thing to do.

“Right across our housing development programme, we are working on getting as close to zero carbon as we can with innovative construction methods and technologies that surpass current building regulations, minimise environmental impact and reduce ongoing running costs for tenants. I’m delighted that the first new tenants in the development will be in before Christmas and they can begin enjoying living in their new Cardiff Living homes so soon.”