Gloucester-based Newland Homes has won a prestigious national award for its Ryves Vale development in North Somerset, a pioneering zero carbon housing project which sets new standards in sustainability, innovation and high-quality construction.

Ryves Vale in Tickenham was deemed the national winner in the Best High Volume New Housing Development category at the Building Excellence Awards.  The awards are determined by the national body representing building control teams across England and Wales, the Local Authority Building Control (LABC).  The LABC upholds the highest standards in building regulations and the annual Building Excellence Awards are held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London to celebrate the best in the industry, highlighting projects that demonstrate technical innovation and quality craftsmanship.

This latest success reinforces Newland Homes’ reputation for setting new benchmarks in residential development.  The company has a strong history of recognition at the LABC Building Excellence Awards, having previously won regional awards for Best Small New Housing Development and Best Medium New Housing Development for various projects, as well as Recognition Awards for the consistent quality of site management.

This latest win underscores the company’s ability to deliver outstanding new homes at scale, while maintaining the high standards that have become its hallmark.

The winning development, Ryves Vale, is an exemplar of sustainable living.  Set in the picturesque North Somerset countryside, Ryves Vale is a collection of 32 zero carbon homes.  Over 50% of the development is public open space, with up to 1,000 fast-growing native trees planted to help offset emissions.

Due to the innovative technologies involved and the target of being zero carbon, Ryves Vale required a close working relationship between the building control team at North Somerset Council and the on-site construction team.  Regular site visits and meetings fostered a positive collaborative approach, contributing to the success of the development. The LABC judges recognised that this close partnership has resulted in a final outcome that not only exceeds current building regulation standards, but is also future proofed in terms of climate considerations.

Designed to be fossil-fuel free, the homes at Ryves Vale features an array of innovative technologies, including Air Source Heat Pumps, solar PV panels and high-performance insulation, ensuring that homeowners benefit from energy-efficient and environmentally friendly living.  The development blends seamlessly into its surroundings, with carefully considered landscaping and a commitment to biodiversity enhancement, making it a true asset to the local community.

newland “We are incredibly proud to receive this award,” said Ian Hughes, Construction Director for Newland Homes. “Sustainability and quality are at the heart of everything we do, and Ryves Vale exemplifies our vision for modern, zero carbon living.  The development was a test bed to bring together many innovative technologies to help reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and give homeowners some ownership over their energy consumption and energy production.  The success of Ryves Vale has helped pave the way for us to roll out similar zero carbon homes across the South West.  Being recognised by the LABC for our achievements is a fantastic endorsement of our commitment to shaping the future of housebuilding.”

For more information on Newland Homes and its award-winning developments, visit www.newlandhomes.co.uk.