UK’s first eco town utilises Rationel triple glazed timber products

Developer A2Dominion has created the UK’s first eco town in Oxfordshire, one of only eleven projects worldwide to receive the Bioregional’s One Planet Living Status. The project, which has been described as an “advanced innovation in sustainable living”, utilises timber window products from Danish manufacturer Rationel.

Situated at North West Bicester, Elmsbrook is one of the Government’s ten NHS-supported Healthy New Towns. The development comprises 393 zero carbon homes which achieve Level 5 in the Code for Sustainable Homes.

All residences receive heating and hot water through a district heat network, from the gas fired low carbon source on site Combined Heat and Power plant (CHP). Each house has been built with solar photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting to reduce water consumption.

To further enhance the eco credentials of the development, Rationel’s Aura triple glazed top guided timber windows and external doors were specified by Hill Partnerships, for their low u-values and attractive Scandinavian design. 

The energy efficient timber windows have a competitive tender price and chain of custody raw material from FSC approved forests.

Elmsbrook was named a winner at the Housebuilder Awards 2016 for Best Low or Zero Carbon Initiative and took the bronze special commendation award in the Best Eco Living category at the Evening Standard New Homes Awards 2016.

The eco town also scooped the award for Sustainability at the 2016 Constructing Excellence Awards.