BEDzed - The UK’s first carbon neutral neighbourhood

BedZED, or the Beddington Zero Energy Development is a radical housing project designed by architect, Bill Dunster of ZEDfactory in collaboration with environmental agency Bioregional and Arup engineer. It is the first environmentally friendly development of its kind in the UK.

The development has a host of accolades since its completion in 2003. It has won the RIBA Housing Design Award for sustainability and was shortlisted for the prestigious Stirling Prize in 2004. These substantial credentials mean the houses on site have become a blueprint for architects across the UK wanting to build eco-friendly dwellings.

This particular home sits in the middle of BedZED, right at the centre of the lively community. It is defined externally by its larch cladding, warm red brick, and distinctive wind cowls.

 The houses, with their double-height ceilings, are a masterclass in maximising space and light. To make most of the footprint, a mezzanine level sits above the open-plan living space which plays host to the bedroom and bathroom. The ground floor is perfect for entertaining both at night and during the day when light pours through the south-facing clerestory windows and skylights.

Both the open living spaces and honest finish give a very loft-like feel. With its material selection, ZEDfactory aimed to used materials sourced within ~56km (35 miles) of the site. This included the breezeblocks, which have been left exposed as it is better for the environment than adding plaster board, and the girders have been reclaimed from old projects. The house also features large swathes of glass, meaning it’s primarily heated by solar gain which brings in high levels of insulation and low running costs.