Vistry specifies Showersave at Bishops Park Development
County Durham
Showersave was specified at the Bishops Park Development as part of their sustainable strategy. Vistry implemented several energy-efficiency solutions and Showersave stood out for its ease of implementation and impressive performance.
Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed tenure homes, is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and energy-efficient building practices. Vistry Partnerships North East has collaborated with the not-for-profit housing association, Believe Housing, to deliver the ambitious Bishops Park development in County Durham.
About Bishops Park
The Bishops Park development is divided into two phases:
- Phase One: Completed in 2021, this phase saw the delivery of 99 new homes near Auckland Park.
- Phase Two: Ongoing, with plans to deliver 401 homes, including up to 100 affordable homes for rent or purchase.
Vistry’s Design Manager for the Bishops Park project, David Scrimgeour, is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the build meet the required design specifications and building regulations. As part of their sustainable strategy, Vistry has implemented several energy-efficient solutions, including:
- Expanded Polystyrene warmfloor Insulation (EPS)
- Solar PV Panels
- Waste Water Heat Recovery (WWHR) with Showersave
For Phase Two of Bishops Park, Showersave was specified throughout the development to enhance the energy efficiency of the properties.
Understanding Showersave and it’s benefits
Having worked with the Showersave team for several years, David Scrimgeour initially approached the idea of Waste Water Heat Recovery (WWHR) with scepticism.
However, through collaboration and hands-on experience, he quickly realised the benefits of incorporating Showersave into the build.
“I thought it was just a big pipe that the water falls down. Well, obviously, it isn’t! It spirals around to get a maximum surface contact,” says David Scrimgeour.
Showersave technology uses the heat from shower wastewater, to preheat incoming cold water. This simple process can have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of a home.
The Sustainable Approach at Bishops Park
From the initial planning stages, Vistry considered the best build methods and energy-saving products to meet regulatory requirements, especially with updates to Part L Building Regulations occurring during the development process. The inclusion of solar PV panels and Expanded Polystyrene Insulation (EPS) has been vital in improving the overall energy efficiency of homes. As David notes:
“Solar PV makes a difference to the design plan and build because you’ve got to accommodate great big panels on the roof. EPS gives you better insulation and as it is an integral part of the ground floor construction, it is never seen.”
When it comes to Showersave, the design impact is minimal, yet the benefits for homeowners are immediate:
“From a physical point of view, it is very easy to add in Showersave. You roughly double the size of the Soil Vent Pipe enclosure, and practically all house types have room for that. The occupier will probably never see the Showersave because once it’s fitted it’s enclosed. But the moment they move in, they’re saving money,” David adds.
Benefits
- Critical for Part L 2021 compliance and route to Future Home Standard
- Low CAPEX and competitive £ per point in SAP
- Lower cost alternative than other technologies, including MVHR, Solar PV and Triple Glazing
- Can be kept in-line throughout whole house pressure test to > 20 bar, therefore no need to isolate
- Showersave is a “fit and forget” technology, therefore requires little, or no maintenance
- Only WWHRS designed, manufactured and distributed throughout Europe by a single company
- Proven to cut running costs of heat pumps and increase the overall efficiency of space heating and hot water production
- Embedded Carbon independently measured at 51KgCo²e using CIBSE TM65 methodology. Carbon recovery less than 6 months
Collaborative Success and Straightforward Integration
David credits much of the success at Bishops Park to a team-oriented approach, emphasising the importance of learning about new products and working collaboratively with contractors, consultants, and suppliers. He stresses that while new methods and products can sometimes pose challenges, effective communication and planning are key to overcoming hurdles.
“Problems can occur when there’s unfamiliarity, particularly with new house types, new subcontractors, or new regulations. I enjoy it when I get an approved design back or when a particularly difficult coordination exercise is completed,” says David.
Among the various energy-saving measures, Showersave stood out for its ease of implementation and impressive performance.
Conclusion
The Bishops Park development showcases Vistry’s commitment to building sustainable and energy-efficient homes. By incorporating innovative solutions like Showersave, the project not only meets modern building regulations but also provides long-term energy savings for homeowners. Through thoughtful design, collaboration, and advanced technologies, Bishops Park is setting a new standard for affordable, sustainable housing in the UK.
“Showersave is a simple concept which is easy to implement, but delivers a surprisingly effective energy saving. The fact that it is also cost effective within SAP is a bonus”
Neil Lockhart, Design Director, Antler Homes