AIMC4 build gets underway

AIMC4, the consortium of construction specialists set up last year to pioneer the volume production of low-carbon homes using “fabric-first” solutions, has begun construction of its first 17 homes designed to meet Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. 

The AIMC4 developments encompass a range of designs for both on- and off-site methods with both full-fill and part-fill cavity insulation. The intention is to find the most effective and economical designs capable of achieving Code Level 4 through the building fabric alone and without having to include complex and expensive technologies such as micro-renewables such as solar panels and mini-wind turbines.

Stewart Milne Group is building eight AIMC4 houses on three sites using its Sigma II Build System. Two large detached homes are on the Leathan Fields development in Portlethen; three more at the Athena Grange development in East Lothian; and a terrace of three 3-bedroom homes in Preston, Lancs, in association with the Communities Gateway Association and Adactus Housing Association.

Crest Nicholson is building five AIMC4 homes - one four-bedroom detached house using a masonry cavity wall construction and a terrace of four-bed townhouses featuring structural insulated panel (SIP) construction - at Noble Park on the outskirts of Epsom, Surrey.

Barratt Northampton (a division of Barratt Developments) is building four AIM4C houses on its Meridian Park development in Corby, Northants.

AIM C4 is a unique partnership. Besides house-builders Stewart Milne, Crest Nicholson and Barratt Developments, its members include Aircrete supplier H+H UK, Oxford Brookes University and BRE, which is advising on design innovation and evaluating technical issues.

“The whole point is that micro generation is a very costly way of de-carbonising the domestic housing sector” explains Energyflo Technical Director, Dr Andrew Peacock.

“It is the Government's policy that all new homes will be zero carbon from 2016. To meet that goal we need innovative new designs and products, which is exactly what this pioneering project will deliver.” Minister for Science and Innovation, Lord Drayson

“Achieving such a major reduction in carbon emissions through a ‘fabric-centric’ approach is extremely clever thinking. Using efficient fabrics will increase energy efficiency throughout the lifespan of a building so the goal of zero carbon buildings can be achieved”. Richard Miller, Technology Strategy Board