Hook Norton’s eco-friendly housing keeps winning awardS
We’d like to extend a huge congratulations to the Hook Norton Community Land Trust for winning the prestigious Best affordable housing development – less than £5m award at the Inside Housing Development Awards 2024! This award is a true reflection of what a community can achieve when it rallies together for a shared, sustainable future.
The prize-winning Bourne Green project in Hook Norton
The Hook Norton Community Land Trust’s Bourne Green project is a shining beacon of eco-friendly housing, featuring 12 homes built to Passivhaus-equivalent standards. These homes were designed with ultra-low carbon footprints, using better-than-carbon-zero building techniques. Beyond the environmental impact, the project supports the community with eight affordable rental homes and four available at market prices, ensuring an inclusive neighbourhood that reflects the heart of Hook Norton.
The judges felt that this development is an exemplar, addressing affordable housing needs through sustainable and innovative practices. The focus on community involvement, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion sets a high standard for those delivering new homes. The integration of advanced technologies and a strong community-oriented approach is commendable.
What makes the Bourne Green project even more remarkable is its innovative energy system. In partnership with Hook Norton Low Carbon and SNRG, the project includes a smart microgrid that harnesses energy from rooftop solar panels. This renewable energy powers not only the homes but also a community building and a Car Club, showing what’s possible when energy-conscious design meets community needs.
It all began with a seed of ambition, supported by an OxFutures Grant for a feasibility study back in 2018, and it has blossomed into a shining example of sustainable living. This achievement highlights that grassroots efforts can tackle not only the housing crisis but also the climate emergency, creating a fairer and more sustainable future for rural communities.
The awards keep coming…
Not only did Bourne Green win at the Inside Housing Awards, it also scooped up another prize on the same day – taking home the award for Best Low Carbon Homes Development at the Evening Standard Awards.
But the celebrations didn’t stop there. Bourne Green added the prestigious Innovation in Climate Action award at the Oxford Climate Awards to its growing collection. This award recognises individuals, businesses, or community groups pushing the boundaries with new technology and approaches to address the climate emergency. Additionally, Rose Hill and Iffley Low Carbon won the Climate Community Group award and won the Overall Winner category.
A well-deserved set of wins for this outstanding project!
Feeling inspired?
Just imagine your home – warm in winter, cool in summer, and cosy all year round! Hook Norton’s Bourne Green development is a fantastic example of sustainable housing. But you don’t need to move to a new house to enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency. With Low Carbon Hub’s partnership service, Cosy Homes Oxfordshire, you can transform your home into an energy-efficient haven for every season.
Whether you want to lower energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, or simply create a more enjoyable living space, Cosy Homes Oxfordshire will guide you every step of the way with their free advice service.
Find out more today and take the first step towards a more comfortable, energy-efficient home!