The Design and Value of "Early Adopter" Low-Energy Houses.

Abstract Purpose. This paper outlines an early adopter “low energy” domestic dwelling, social houses that were built with the collaboration of a University, the local council and the new residents. The origins of this project are from the early days of interest in sustainable housing, the 1970’s. The dwellings were innovative and built to what became known as “the Salford design” which performed to an unusual specification, using about 75% less energy than the UK average for space heating and over 40% less than for houses built to what were then standard building regulations. Design/Methodology/Approach. A qualitative and interpretative stance was deemed to be the most appropriate. Within that lens, interviews were chosen as the primary research instrument. Findings. A marked feature of the results is the variation in energy consumption by different households. A Salford-designed house could be habitable throughout the year without any space heating at all, comfortable at 10%, and very comfortable at 25% of normal consumption. Originality/Value. As there continues to be interest and commitment to reducing energy - not just from the UK but also on a worldwide scale, the United Nations Conference of the Parties known as COP 22 (2016) met in Morocco to take forward many of the initiatives outlined in the Paris Agreement 2015. It is of interest, then, that the latest set of interviews showed that the houses built to the innovative and original 1970’s Salford design principles, protected by a highly insulated, well-sealed envelopes are still today functioning at a relatively low energy threshold.