Walton Close receives "Ecowarehouse" treatment

Monday, 20 July 2009

A housing scheme in Redditch can boast the first Photovoltaic (PV) System supplied through SIG Roofline & Building Products (SIG R&BP).  Designed and assembled by Solarcentury, SIG R&BP supplied integrated C21e solar electric roof tiles through their Ecowarehouse brand, for an eight-unit apartment block.

Walton Close, as the project is called, is being developed by Accord Housing Association with Redditch Co-operative Homes, in partnership with Redditch Borough Council.  The venture is part of Accord Housing's bid to create a mass market model of low-carbon housing, utilising all available key energy saving systems.  Photovoltaic is one such system designed to reduce both carbon emissions and the bills which residents must pay to keep their houses warm.

Main contractors Mansell Construction, appointed an electrical contractor, who in turn specified using Ecowarehouse.  A spokesperson for the electrical contractor commented: "SIG R&BP were recommended to us specifically, so we contacted them and were very impressed with what we heard.  Alongside Solarcentury, SIG R&BP were able to produce a bespoke system to suit the nature of the project.  The technical support and back up we have received throughout the installation process has been brilliant."

The system provided through SIG R&BP was a C21e - 24 tile PV system which covers a roof area of 9.4m² and produces 1.25kwp, supplementing the power supply to the communal areas and external lighting. As well as utilising a renewable energy source, Walton Close was constructed using a unique timber-build process. This closed-panel timber system is exclusive to Accord Housing and in-line with their efforts to be the 'Greenest' housing association. 

Jas Matharu, Key Account Manager, SIG R&BP commented: "As the first PV System we have supplied through our Ecowarehouse Brand, Walton Close is an exciting project for us.  It is great for SIG R&BP to be recognised as one of the key players in providing sustainable energy-providing systems and for our products to be used by one of the top housing associations in the country.  Since starting the job at Walton Close, we have also been commissioned to supply a PV System through Ecowarehouse, to a second project in the Midlands."