MiTek, in collaboration with Bellway Homes, one of the UK’s leading homebuilders, has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards at the Building Awards 2024. The partnership has earned recognition in the categories of Net Zero and Digital Excellence for their innovative work on the Bellway Barton Quarter development in Horwich, Lancashire.
The Building Awards, now in their 30th year and organised by Building magazine, celebrate excellence in the construction industry. The judges were particularly impressed by the collaborative efforts of MiTek, Zehnder and Bellway Homes, which led to their nomination in both categories.
The focus of the nominations is Plot 256, one of four test plots at Barton Quarter, designed to pioneer sustainable construction ahead of the Future Homes Standard set for 2025. This project showcases the practical application of cutting-edge sustainable technologies in real-world settings.
Net Zero award nomination
The Net Zero award entry highlights the innovative approaches and technologies implemented at Plot 256. The partners, including MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery) specialist Zehnder, have translated principles tested at the University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0 into the live site at Barton Quarter. The collaboration explored how to integrate complex technologies on a building site, particularly in limited spaces.
Key sustainable features of the project include:
- Increased cavity widths to enhance overall fabric efficiency.
- Air-source heat pumps for energy-efficient heating.
- Underfloor heating on the ground floor.
- Triple-glazed windows for superior insulation.
- Zehnder MVHR system for optimal ventilation and heat recovery.
David Arkley, Senior Architectural Technician at Bellway Homes, shared the impact of these innovations: “We improved the EPC rating from a B to an A, increasing the SAP score to 97 from 90. The aim for the site was to surpass anticipated Future Homes Standard stipulations.”
He adds:
“We’re pushing everything forward. We’re at the forefront with what we are doing. Being here as one of the biggest house builders and being at the forefront of what we’re going to be doing for the next 10, 15 years, is quite exciting.”
The project serves as a learning ground for Net Zero building, with knowledge shared among the NHBC, sub-contractors, and SME housebuilders. The test site remains at the first-fix stage for two years to facilitate visits and knowledge sharing.
Digital Excellence award nomination
The Digital Excellence entry focuses on the use of MiTek’s PAMIR software at Plot 256. This advanced technology enabled seamless collaboration among architects, designers, engineers, and off-site manufacturers. Bellway’s Group Technical Team utilised the software to design a future-proofed home, integrating lessons from Energy House 2.0.
Jimmy Close, Design Engagement Director at MiTek, highlighted the benefits of the software: “Incorporating the latest technologies into traditional 2D designs would be painstakingly difficult and time-consuming. The PAMIR software provides a full 3D federated model, combining Bellway’s Revit model with Zehnder’s MVHR and MiTek’s off-site Posi-Joist floor system.”
“The UX-driven interface lets teams move freely through the design and zoom in on individual elements. By bookmarking specific viewpoints, potential problems were eliminated quickly and easily, so any issues were identified and resolved before the build started on site.”
Plot 256 is a showcase of digital excellence, demonstrating how advanced software can streamline the construction process and enhance the integration of sustainable technologies.
Recognition and future implications
The two nominations for Bellway Homes, MiTek and Zehnder in the Net Zero and Digital Excellence categories are a testament to the innovative spirit and collaborative efforts of all partners involved. Jimmy Close remarked, “When the Future Homes Standard is finalised, Bellway and partners will already have a considerable edge in practical knowledge. We are so pleased that this has been recognised in the Building Awards 2024 shortlist.”
These nominations not only highlight the achievements of MiTek, Zehnder and Bellway Homes but also set a benchmark for future sustainable and digitally advanced construction projects. The winners will be announced at the Building Awards ceremony later this year, where the industry will gather to celebrate excellence and innovation on 5th November at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.
