Travel 70 miles from London to the border of Essex and Suffolk to see the future. Or at least one version of it. On a plot of land called Westland Heath, which brings to mind bucolic visions of the English countryside, an experiment is taking place. Here, UK building firm Taylor Wimpey has constructed five ‘future homes’ as a one-off project. Your author visited last week.
Buildings are some of the world’s worst offenders in terms of carbon emissions, yet we need more of them. In the UK, the Government estimates that 350,000 new homes need to be built annually. Taylor Wimpey is, therefore, in the vanguard. When the Westland Heath project is complete (probably at the start of the next decade), it will comprise over 1,100 new and sustainable properties. Part of the rationale for its future homes experiment is to pre-empt pending government legislation. Any house with foundations laid after June 2023 must have solar panels on its roof, while no gas boilers will be permitted in UK new-builds from 2025. Similar edicts are being put in place in other geographies.
The properties we visited contained an impressive array of futuristic mod-cons. Imagine a property not only with rooftop solar, but also a smart cylinder (which provides hot water only when required), a waste water heat recovery system (the latent heat from wasted in showers is recycled to help pre-heat incoming mains water) and infrared heating (which warms you rather than the whole room). There’s more too: battery storage, thermal skirting boards, an insulated front door and triple glazing. We were also impressed by the ‘wonderwall’ system. Mounted on – yes, you’ve guessed it – the wall, the device is self-learning and adapts heating, lighting and security to the user’s needs.
The obvious commonality across all these features is that they aim to improve sustainability credentials, aligning construction with government rules and (hopefully) saving householders money through lower energy bills. The initiative was launched in mid-January by Taylor Wimpey. Interest has been high, with the majority of the show homes already reserved for purchase by excited future dwellers. The only catch: they must share their energy consumption data with Taylor Wimpey for 12 months after purchase. These learnings can help inform subsequent builds. Expect to see more similar projects underway across the UK. For the current generation of first-time buyers, the future looks green. Your author, however, remains happy living in his Victorian property in central London, for now.
—
Originally Posted January 25, 2024 – The great housing experiment
The above does not constitute investment advice and is the sole opinion of the author at the time of publication. Past performance is no guide to future performance and the value of investments and income from them can fall as well as rise.
Disclosure: Heptagon Capital
The document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or any recommendation to buy, or sell or otherwise transact in any investments. The document is not intended to be construed as investment research. The contents of this document are based upon sources of information which Heptagon Capital believes to be reliable. However, except to the extent required by applicable law or regulations, no guarantee, warranty or representation (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this document or its contents and, Heptagon Capital, its affiliate companies and its members, officers, employees, agents and advisors do not accept any liability or responsibility in respect of the information or any views expressed herein. Opinions expressed whether in general or in both on the performance of individual investments and in a wider economic context represent the views of the contributor at the time of preparation. Where this document provides forward-looking statements which are based on relevant reports, current opinions, expectations and projections, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All opinions and estimates included in the document are subject to change without notice and Heptagon Capital is under no obligation to update or revise information contained in the document. Furthermore, Heptagon Capital disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (including direct, indirect, special and consequential) howsoever arising which any person may suffer or incur as a result of viewing or utilising any information included in this document.
The document is protected by copyright. The use of any trademarks and logos displayed in the document without Heptagon Capital’s prior written consent is strictly prohibited. Information in the document must not be published or redistributed without Heptagon Capital’s prior written consent.
Heptagon Capital LLP, 63 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HS
tel +44 20 7070 1800
fax +44 20 7070 1881
email [email protected]
Partnership No: OC307355 Registered in England and Wales Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Disclosure: Interactive Brokers
Information posted on IBKR Campus that is provided by third-parties does NOT constitute a recommendation that you should contract for the services of that third party. Third-party participants who contribute to IBKR Campus are independent of Interactive Brokers and Interactive Brokers does not make any representations or warranties concerning the services offered, their past or future performance, or the accuracy of the information provided by the third party. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
This material is from Heptagon Capital and is being posted with its permission. The views expressed in this material are solely those of the author and/or Heptagon Capital and Interactive Brokers is not endorsing or recommending any investment or trading discussed in the material. This material is not and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any security. It should not be construed as research or investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security or commodity. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.
