Construction work is now well underway at Hansard Close in Norwich – a development of 10 flats designed and project managed by Hamson Barron Smith for Norwich City Council.

The eight one-bedroom and two two-bedroom flats will meet Passivhaus standards and is one of the first projects to use the council’s new ‘Fabric First Framework’.

Due to the specialist nature of Passivhaus construction and design, the framework brings together a group of small, medium and large contractors with the expertise necessary to carry out this type of work and assist the development of a number of Passivhaus projects.

The framework is being managed by Hamson Barron Smith and can also be used by other local authorities and housing associations wishing to carry out similar projects.

Councillor Gail Harris, deputy leader of Norwich City Council and cabinet member for housing and wellbeing, said: “The city council has a strong tradition of housebuilding and we’re delighted to be building new homes again.

“We are very proud to be a leading the development of homes with such outstanding eco credentials, which have real benefits for both the environment and our tenants, and it’s fantastic to see Norwich emerging as a leader in this field.

Daniel Hughes, Associate Director of Hamson Barron Smith, said: “We are delighted to assist Norwich City Council in the design, procurement and post contract management of Hansard Close. It is an exciting project to be involved with and one which we hope will set the benchmark for future Passivhaus projects in the region.”

Local firm EN Suiter & Sons Ltd are currently constructing the flats with completion set for January 2017.