The first project led by Bright Green Futures is the Courtyard in Montpellier. It is Bristol’s first purpose built co-housing development and the first project to pilot self-build for rented accommodation. There are four rental flats which the tenants designed themselves and some tenants physically helped build. The Courtyard’s homes are the first in Bristol to be awarded an A-rating for both energy efficiency and environmental impact on their energy certificate. This is particularly impressive as Bristol has already had a number of great eco-housing projects, at least one of which received several million pounds of subsidy from the government towards minimizing its carbon emissions, but did not manage to go as far as we have. Whilst it is great that other housing projects have managed to reduce their carbon emissions significantly, it is astounding that we have gone even further, achieving zero carbon without subsidy and whilst delivering good returns to our investors. It is incredible how much can be achieved from the grassroots with a few dedicated individuals!
The Courtyard won the second prize of the South West Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Award 2016 for “Best Large Project”.
Buildings: 6 homes: 2 townhouses and 4 flats, plus community space
Location: Montpellier, Bristol
Main Features: Comprises the only homes in Bristol that are A-rated for Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact. PV, solar hot water, mechanical ventilation heat recovery, co-housing: shared meals twice a week, shared back garden and shared walled garden at the entrance, each home was individually designed by their owner or tenant. Self-build and self-finish. Shared waste and recycling hub, bulk ordering of local & organic food, community cohesion supported by participation of all residents in the Balanced View Training.
Awards: Runners up of the 2016 South West best Large Project Award.
Availability: Fully occupied
