Irish housing firm sheds dormancy, unveils fresh residential buildings
Northern Ireland's Housing Executive Completes First New Social Housing Development in 25 Years
After a gap of nearly four decades, the Housing Executive in Northern Ireland has completed a new social housing development. The development, located in Sunningdale Gardens, Belfast, consists of six new semi-detached houses built using ultra-low energy building techniques to the Passivhaus standard.
Minister Gordon Lyons, commending all those involved in the development, believes this project will bring learning for the whole social housing sector in Northern Ireland. He stated that the Housing Executive is leading and innovating for the region with this development.
Nicole Lappin, chair of The Housing Executive, expressed similar sentiments, stating that the development demonstrates what estates and housing developments can look like in the future. She added that this is the first time The Housing Executive has delivered properties in a quarter of a century.
The energy-efficient construction of the houses is expected to result in improved energy efficiency for the tenants. This means lower heating bills and potential savings on fuel costs. The tenants can also expect a reduction in carbon emissions due to the construction methods used.
The construction company responsible for the development is GEDA. Minister Gordon Lyons believes the development will bring learning for the whole social housing sector in Northern Ireland, as it showcases a new standard in energy-efficient housing.
The Housing Executive plans to undergo a restructure in the next few years, plans for which were announced by ministers in 2020. This restructure aims to ensure the organisation continues to meet the needs of people in Northern Ireland for years to come.
Minister Gordon Lyons wished the residents every happiness in their new homes and expressed his hope that they will enjoy the benefits of the energy-efficient houses for many years to come.
[1] It's important to note that the Housing Executive last completed a new social housing development before Sunningdale Gardens in 2021 was likely in the 1980s. The period between then and 2021 saw more refurbishments rather than entirely new development.
The Sunningdale Gardens project, a new social housing development completed by the Housing Executive, demonstrates a focus on sustainable living by incorporating ultra-low energy building techniques to the Passivhaus standard. This home-and-garden development in Belfast sets an example for future housing developments, envisioning a lifestyle that's not only energy-efficient but also beneficial for the environment.
