Emerging from the TTT Building and Housing Group, Transition Homes is a development of low-impact, low-cost homes for local people that centres on the close integration of housing and sustainable food production and features high energy efficiency and the use of local natural materials. The development will have a small carbon footprint and be self sufficient in energy and power, which will be generated by the use of renewable energy technologies and locally available fuel sources. Some features of the development will include;

• Housing integrated with gardens and shared growing areas to enable residents to produce their own food, herbs and medicines
• Fruit and nut trees will be incorporated into the landscaping of the scheme,
• Minimal parking on site and a community car share scheme designed to discourage car use and encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport
• High levels of natural insulation and air tightness
• All flooring, walls and cladding will be constructed from and coated with natural, non-fossil fuel materials
• Wood-burning stoves will provide for heating, cooking and hot water in the winter with the addition of solar hot water systems and the potential use of biogas
• The installation of compost loos will reduce water use and eliminate the need for a sewage system
• Grey water will be diverted for irrigation and rainwater will be harvested from the roofs.

This will be a conscious experiment in sustainable living; the lessons learnt and the research data collected will be documented and shared for the benefit of the community at large. A Community Land Trust has been set up in the form of a company limited by guarantee, to provide a benefit to the local community and ensure that the houses remain affordable in perpetuity, along with a not-for-profit development and construction company. Discussions are underway with a number of landowners in the area.

For further information, visit
www.totnes.transitionnetwork.org/buildingandhousing/home

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