A new development of only five properties in Burrough Green, near Newmarket, is currently being built by Pure Eco Homes, in partnership with HEMSPAN®, the market disrupting construction company, pioneering the use of hemp as a building material. At Oak Tree Rise, Pure Eco Homes is building carbon negative homes, which will go ‘beyond zero’ through the use of a series of eco-measures, some of which are never-before-seen in the new homes market, and will exceed RIBA 2030 targets for domestic housing.
Set to launch to the market early in 2024, Oak Tree Rise incorporates market-leading and high-performance construction methods, in line with Passivhaus standards, including the use of hemp as the primary insulation material. Developed by Pure Eco Homes and using the HEMSPAN® trademarked BIOHAUS® standard for design, these barn style homes will see external walls which are insulated but also breathable, offer first class acoustic properties and also the highest standard of thermal performance and temperature regulation. This is a new concept, which has only featured in a handful of developments worldwide and which is being used alongside a series of other significant eco measures, including solar shading, household water conservation, mechanical heat-recovery ventilation (MVHR), low VOC natural materials, and insulated raft foundations, all incorporated in the journey to take the development beyond net zero. Oak Tree Rise is also the first development to use low carbon cement, by Hoffman Green, in the UK, offering a 70 per cent reduction in carbon emissions, while also including a solar array which ensures the properties will be energy neutral. In addition, with predicted energy performance ratings of 97/100, each of the properties at Oak Tree Rise is set to generate more energy than is used across the year for heating, light, and standard operating demand for electricity, therefore offering a potential of a 75 per cent reduction in energy bills for any buyer.
Consisting of five stunning and substantial properties in a courtyard setting on a two-acre site, this new development will set the bar for the quality of new homes available on a national level. Designed by Pixel Architecture, each of the standout properties will include immense living spaces with dual-sided feature bio-ethanol fireplaces and stunning vaulted ceilings, with bi-fold doors leading to generous verandas with raised decking. With consideration given to the practicalities of modern-day life, Pure Eco Homes has also included separate walk-in pantries and large utility rooms, as well as separate snugs and dedicated work from home spaces, offering cosy corners within these light-filled and airy homes. With each of the properties built to Passivhaus solar strategies, the angle of every property factors in the direction of sunshine, ensuring that living spaces do not overheat, whilst also being flooded with plenty of natural light. The architects also considered the country lifestyles which these homes will offer buyers and have thoughtfully included back doors with spacious utility spaces which will double as boot rooms, as well as large floor to ceiling windows at all opportunities, to maximise views and provide unlimited access to the open countryside which surround the site. Buyers will be able to choose between either four- or five-bedroom homes, which will stretch from around 2,700 sqft to 2,900 sqft, and all will have the option to select their own kitchen and bathroom fittings subject to the build stage at reservation.
Upstairs, every property includes a vast master suite, with vaulted ceilings and ensuite bathrooms, which overlook the rolling countryside. Blending modern design with classic local materials, the properties will be finished with handmade clay tiles to the rooves, Accoya timber cladding and hemp fibre insulation which is grown by UK-based farmers. As every property is integrated in nature, following Pure Eco Homes’ philosophy, each of the homes will have large, private gardens, and will be set within carefully landscaped and all-encompassing grounds, featuring native trees and herb gardens.
Anthony Martin, Managing Director, Pure Eco Homes comments: “We have worked with an exceptional team of environmental surveyors, interior designers, structural engineers and architects to create a cutting-edge development at Oak Tree Rise. This is just the start of many more exciting developments which we have in the pipeline, and where we are using a groundbreaking build system, alongside our build partner.”
Matthew Belcher, Chief Executive Officer at HEMSPAN® comments: “These homes are not just eco-homes, they are also an aspirational design. Our whole ethos at HEMSPAN® is to offer properties which go ‘beyond zero,’ with carbon negative properties which have minimal impact on the surrounding environment but still offer the standard of living expected by the most discerning of buyer. Our mission is to take hemp from farmers and create the buildings of the future, which are sophisticated and fully functional. Currently we are all on the journey to net zero, and hemp will start to be an integral component of that aim, as it offers a lower carbon alternative to plastic or concrete, as well as a series of other standout properties as part of its credentials. HEMSPAN® was only formed three years ago, and we are a fast-growth company, expanding quickly, with plenty of new developments in the pipeline.”
Sam Harding, Head of New Homes at Cheffins, which will be offering the properties for sale, comments: “Oak Tree Rise is a completely new offering to the new homes market. These houses will set the bar for energy efficiency on not just a local level, but also nationally, and we are excited to be able to offer these to the market shortly. Pure Eco Homes and HEMSPAN® are two forward thinking companies which look set to disrupt the market, and completely redefine what is considered an ‘eco home.’ Technically, such is the efficiency of these homes that buyers should have incredibly low energy bills, as the combination of solar arrays, first-class insulation and energy-saving technologies, make them almost completely self-sufficient. Beyond the eco measures, these properties offer aspirational homes, in a desirable location, which have been designed with modern country life in mind, while also adhering to an admirable central ethos.”
Oak Tree Rise is set on a quiet no-through road in the pretty village of Burrough Green, Cambridgeshire, five miles from Newmarket and fourteen miles from Cambridge. Set around a pretty village green, Burrough Green offers a quintessential English country pub, Church of England Primary School, an active cricket club and a series of other village clubs and societies. For commuters, Burrough Green is just over two miles from Dullingham train station, which offers services to London Kings Cross in 1 hour 25 minutes and Cambridge in only 18 minutes.
The properties will launch to the open market in early 2024 when the completion of the first homes is anticipated.
The site is owned by Pure Eco Homes.