Home work

and Wolverhampton-based construction group

have formed a partnership to build two zero-carbon concept homes as part of the university’s research into energy-efficient housing.

The aim of the project is to provide landlords and organisations working in the housing markets with a blueprint for affordable low-carbon buildings that could be built on a large scale throughout the country.

The two semi-detached properties will be the first in the UK to highlight ways in which zero-carbon homes can be built using conventional masonry building techniques as part of large-scale development.

Dr Mark Gillott, who is leading the project, said: ‘The research we are undertaking here at the University of Nottingham is essential due to the massive step changes in design and construction practice required to meet the UK's Code for Sustainable Homes targets - the post-occupancy evaluation of these homes is important in allowing us to understand how they work in reality and not just on paper.’