The development by Bio Regional Quintain and Crest Nicholson is a zero carbon scheme that boasts a host of innovative ideas that may one day become standard practice in the housing industry. It is situated on a tiny site just under 0.4 hectares and ranges in height from 6 to 10 storeys.

Heat loss is reduced to new lows by a German clay wall system combined with natural fibre insulation and an on-site biomass heat plant (using local recycled wood chips) provides heat for the 172 apartments and all the apartments have been awarded EcoHomes “Excellent” rating.

To get the maximum footprint but still have green space the roof is covered with sky gardens and a community allotment and there is over 900 square metres of shared community space.

One Brighton’s close proximity to the mainline railway station, combined with a car club on site, should help to reduce the need for private transport.

For more details of the scheme visit the Bio Regional web site.