Crown Estate innovation demonstrator Knutsford, Igloo, p Active Profile

The development would push the boundaries of sustainable construction. Credit: Virtual Planit

Igloo picked for Knutsford net zero homes pilot

The Crown Estate has appointed the developer as its partner for a 60-home scheme that has ambitious sustainability targets baked in.

Igloo Regeneration, the underbidder on the £750m Wythenshawe Civic scheme, has been selected to lead the Knutsford project, which The Crown Estate won planning permission for in 2020.

The residential plot is located east of Manchester Road and forms part of a wider 26-acre site.

The idea is for the homes to be have upfront embodied carbon levels of less than 300kg CO₂/m² and operational energy use intensity of 35kWh/m²/year, while also achieving a 15% biodiversity net gain. In addition, 30% of the homes would be affordable.

Joe Broadley, regional development director at Igloo, said the project is about much more than delivering 60 homes.

“For us, the opportunity isn’t just about building houses; it’s about crafting a replicable blueprint for low-carbon, high-quality living,” he said.

“Our selection as a partner for The Crown Estate’s innovative housing demonstration projects marks a pivotal moment for our journey as an innovator in development and the future of housing in the UK, reimagining what it means to live sustainably, healthily and happily.”

He added: “Through innovative low carbon design, renewable energy integration, and a commitment to community collaboration and formation, our Knutsford development for The Crown Estate will embody the principles we’ve held dear for over two decades. It will serve as a tangible expression of how housing can be sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready.”

Igloo is working on several large regeneration projects across the country. Its two biggest schemes are in the North East – the £450m Riverside in Sunderland, and the commercial-led Stephenson Quarter in Newcastle.

The Knustford project is one of several housing demonstrator projects The Crown Estate is carrying out on its land that aim to push the boundaries of housing innovation. Others include 50 homes in Bedford and 80 more in Hemel Hempstead. GS8 and TOWN have been selected on those schemes respectively.

Rob Chesworth, head of strategic land at The Crown Estate, said: “The UK’s housing sector desperately needs more innovation if it is to deliver the quality, affordable homes that the current and future UK population needs.

“These housing demonstration projects are an opportunity for us to test innovative approaches to sustainable design and help us understand how to scale up across the country. By partnering with the likes of GS8, Igloo and TOWN – all of which have proven track records in this space – we are confident that we can play a key role in addressing some of the UK’s significant housing and environmental challenges, while setting new standards for the development of thriving, sustainable communities.”

Your Comments

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That’s a big coup for Knutsford. Igloo are one of the most interesting regeneration companies working today – and this looks a very promising scheme.

By Rye

Can you turn the heating on in these Igloos?

By Allergic to Squirrels

“Crafting”. Just stop it.

By Anonymous

Is their 2020 planning permission still valid, or have they applied for an extension?

By Lurch

@January 21, 2025 at 1:40 pm
By Anonymous

Hear hear! A pretentious use of this word here.

By Rye

Looking forward to seeing the design and walk/cycle links into the Knutsford Town . Sounds amazing

By DebJam

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