Code 4 Wheelchair Accessible Bungalows

These two new wheelchair accessible homes are the first development by Marches Housing Association to achieve Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. The bungalows at Bar Meadow, Shobdon were designed to sit comfortably with the existing neighbouring bungalows, using the same palette of materials but in a contemporary and sustainable manner.

From three elevations these appear to be traditional brick bungalows blending in with the adjacent properties. However, the south elevation reveals sedum roofs, solar panels and fully glazed living spaces designed for passive solar gain and taking full advantage of the panoramic views out across the rolling Herefordshire fields.

Inside, the open plan design creates spacious and accessible, yet economical, sustainable homes designed to Building for Life, Housing Quality Indicators, Secured By Design and Lifetime Homes standards.

The timber frame bungalows are highly sustainable and a number of strategies were used to reduce the energy demand of the homes, including:

- High levels of insulation combined with an air tight construction
- Passive solar design, allowing the winter sun to warm the living spaces
- Excellent daylight levels provided by large expanses of glazing and rooflights
- Air source heat pumps for the heating and hot water demand
- Photovoltaic panels to contribute to the electrical demands and benefit from the Government’s Feed-In-Tariff
- Rainwater harvesting
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery