One of Magenta Living’s ambitions is to continue to build new, energy-efficient homes for its customers with a commitment to sustainability.
This year 98 new homes have been completed and over 100 more are expected before the end of March 2024.
As part of its development programme, the organisation is collaborating and sharing knowledge with other housing associations.
Paul McGrady, a Board member with Magenta is also Executive Director of Resources at Welsh Housing Association, ClwydAlyn. He invited a number of Magenta colleagues along on a whistlestop tour of North Wales to see the current developments.
First stop was Tŷ Nos in Wrexham – a Passivhaus development of 19, one-bedroom, energy-efficient, affordable apartments, with an office area for the management of the homes, to provide temporary accommodation for people in need, supporting and helping them plan for the future. Passivhaus is a building standard that aims to achieve thermal comfort with very low energy use.
Next, they went to a completed development of 63 energy-efficient homes in Ruthin which is seen as one of ClwydAlyn’s most innovative developments.
ClwydAlyn’s aim, which mirrors Magenta’s, is to tackle fuel poverty and help minimise the impact less energy-efficient homes can have on people’s health and wellbeing. Built using new greener technologies and innovative designs, these new homes are super energy efficient and benefit from:
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar electricity panels
- Solar electricity storage batteries
- Homes positioned to maximise solar gain and natural daylight
- Electric car charging facilities
- Modern Methods of Construction’, using as many natural and sustainable materials as possible
- Sourcing materials from local manufacturers and suppliers, keeping carbon footprint low
The group then moved onto Edward Henry Street in Rhyl to see a partnership project between ClwydAlyn, Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government which has seen some flats demolished to make way for 13 three-bedroom affordable family homes.
Ian Thomson, Magenta Living’s Executive Director of Assets and Development, said, “It’s great to share ideas and see what other housing associations are achieving. It’s been a really interesting day and has given us lots of food for thought.
“Our ambitions are similar to those of ClwydAlyn as we develop our homes for the future – we want to build new homes that meet the needs of our customers and communities whilst ensuring that they are sustainable and energy efficient.”
ClwydAlyn’s Executive Director, Resources, Paul McGrady said, “Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond the building of energy-efficient homes. It’s an unwavering pledge to reduce fuel poverty and transform communities by minimising less efficient homes.
“Our housing developments showcase this dedication to energy efficiency and addressing fuel poverty. Everyone should join in building a greener and more sustainable future.”
Image: Magenta Living and Clwyd Alyn colleagues and Board members with the contractors, Gareth Morris Construction
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