An eco home based on a design by a 10-year-old schoolgirl is to be built in Redditch as part of the largest Norwegian timber frame housing development in the UK.

Redditch Co-operative Homes, part of the Accord Group of housing associations, will build 58 houses and 21 apartments in the Church Hill area, in partnership with Mansell, after they secured a £1.8 million grant from the Government's Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Building work has just started on the site of the former Marfield Primary School off Redstone Close and the whole development, which will be built using timber panels imported from Norway, is expected to be completed by December 2013.

As well as featuring two and three bedroom homes for affordable rent and shared ownership, the £8 million site will also include two houses based on a design by Rugby schoolgirl Jennifer Brook.


Jennifer was just 10 years old in 2008 when she beat more than 70 other pupils from across the region to win a competition to come up with an 'eco home for the future'.

Now, the former Cawston Grange Primary School pupil will see her design become a reality when it is built alongside another two homes which will be constructed from 80 per cent recycled materials.

Alan Yates, Group Director of Regeneration for the Accord Group, said: "The investment from the Homes and Communities Agency is a real boost for us and we have signed contracts to enable the works to start on site.

"With a shortage of affordable housing across the region, this development will create much-needed homes that are cheaper to run than traditional properties and generate fewer carbon emissions because of their unique environmental credentials.

"It's also fantastic that by working closely with our specialist in-house design team and residents of Redditch Co-operative Homes, we are finally able to make Jennifer’s eco home design a reality."

Jennifer, now aged 14, said: "I'm really looking forward to seeing the house I designed with pen and paper being turned into reality. I think it's amazing how my 2D drawing can have life breathed into it. I can't wait to see it when it's finished."

As well as featuring high-quality and affordable homes, the development will also include other features such as allotments for residents to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Each of the 79 homes, which will be built by Mansell, will meet tough environmental standards and codes, including two homes that will be built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6 – the highest environmental standard that can be achieved in the UK.

(CD/GK)