Tanners Court: future-proofed sustainable living

• Development type: Retirement Living
• Local authority partner: Halton Borough Council
• Developer: Challenger Building Services
• Start on site: March 2022
• Practical completion: March 2024
• Property type: 35 properties for social rent

Tanners Court in Runcorn is a prime example of what traditional social housing construction expertly combined with sustainability-focused design thinking can achieve.

Comprising 31 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom social rent apartments, the Homes England-funded development is split across three storeys and incorporates numerous features and facilities. This includes a communal lounge, buggy and bin stores, Juliette and full balconies, as well as planted areas. However, there is more to Tanners Court than meets the eye.

Instead of using traditional clay bricks, Tanners Court has been constructed with Marshalls concrete bricks, which look the same as London stock bricks, but are longer-lasting and extremely durable.

Inside, electric water cylinders have been installed to provide residents with instant hot water. Meanwhile, the apartments have been fitted with electric panel heaters and mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) systems that generate fresh filtered air and retain the energy that is used to heat the building.

All the apartments have an average air tightness score of 3.3m3 (h.m2) and an average sound testing score of 62dB. They also have a ‘B’ energy performance certificate rating and Environmental Impact (CO2) rating, which has been achieved through the use of parge-coating the masonry walls and installing double glazed windows and doors.

As a result of these design factors, all the apartments are well insulated and energy efficient.