Allman Woodcock were commissioned by the Diocese of Worcester to provide full pre and post-contract services for new ‘eco-vicarages’ in Webheath and Kingswinford, Worcestershire.
The eco-vicarages are thought to be the only ones of their kind in England, being built to a specification which puts environmental considerations at the top of the priority list. The Diocese are keen to lead the way in the development of sustainable construction and have implemented an environmental policy to reduce its carbon footprint by 80% before 2050.
They set about an ambitious scheme to construct new vicarages to the high standard set by the Code of Sustainable Homes. The vicarages meet Code Level 6 for Sustainable Homes and also comply with PassivHaus design standards used in Europe. The principles of construction include the maximisation of thermal performance, excellent air tightness, very low energy demands and thus low carbon emission rates. This is achieved through intelligent use of the site layouts to maximise solar systems, photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies.
Allman Woodcock assisted in cost advice and feasibility studies, tendering and re-design, value engineering and price negotiations with contractor. The new vicarages are compliant with standards the Government propose to implement from 2016 onwards.
Funding was possible from the sale of existing homes, which were no longer viable as vicarages, both in terms of layout and running costs.
First class surveying, consultancy & management services
