Sunderland developer unveils PassiveHaus scheme

A Sunderland developer has unveiled the UK's first major PassivHaus building scheme, it has been reported.

Known as Gentoo, the scheme will consist of 28 bungalow units designed for elderly residents in the area of Houghton-le-Spring.

Allan Thompson, director of operations at Gentoo Homes, said the project would be unique in British housing design.

"This innovative development fits well with our new vision, mission and values as well as our ambitious environmental sustainability agenda and we're eager to get started with something we hope could set a standard for other UK housebuilders in the future," he said.

Gentoo Homes has committed itself to building not only homes, but whole communities. To this end it operates a corporate social responsibility policy that aims to have a positive effect on the way people live.

The company also offers services such as maintenance, tackling neighbourhood nuisance and income management.