Construction work has begun on a new affordable housing scheme in Bristol which, the developer claims, is being built to Passivhaus principles.

Shaldon Road diagram

United Living is building the 50 one, two and three-bedroomed homes in a venture with the United Communities housing association and the Bristol Community Land Trust, backed by the city council and Homes England.

The Architype-designed homes will be available for either affordable rent or shared ownership.

The £9.8m scheme (illustration pictured) on Shaldon Road in the city will allow residents to help design bathrooms and kitchens and do second-fix carpentry, kitchen fitouts and decorating.

The developers said the construction process would use as few chemicals as possible. Ground source heat pumps will be installed to reduce energy costs.

Once completed by the spring of 2021 the homes will also feature photovoltaic panels, whole house mechanical ventilation and heat recovery and solar gain technology.

The city council is aiming for Bristol to become carbon-neutral by 2030.