The project is part of a wider development in Deptford, London

Peabody is making its first venture into providing homes that achieve Passive House certification.

The G15 housing association has appointed property developers Higgins Partnerships to build affordable, low-energy homes in the capital.

The project will consist of 189 homes at Deptford Landings in south east London and will be made up of three eight-storey buildings, two of which will have large roof terraces, and a central landscaped courtyard.

The Passive House concept is widely accepted by the construction industry as the standard to aim for when reducing a building’s running costs and the amount of energy it uses.

The energy needed to heat and cool Passive House buildings can be 90 per cent lower than that of regular buildings, and more than 75 per cent lower than typical new ones.

Peabody’s homes at Deptford Landings will be one of the largest single-phase Passive House projects in the UK to date and will see residents benefiting from reduced energy costs and a significant improvement in comfort and air quality.

The fully affordable scheme, managed by Peabody, will include social rent and shared ownership homes.

The development, designed by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) with Max Fordham engineers, will be part of a community being developed by Lendlease with new homes, shops, a renovated pub and green spaces connected to the Waterline Way walking and cycling route.

Simon Barry, managing director of development at Peabody, said: “At a time when building new, affordable homes in the capital is increasingly challenging, our investment of more than £75m, including grant support, will provide nearly 200 homes for Londoners.

“As well as being fully affordable, they’re the first we’re building to Passive House standards. Every home will be low cost and low energy, helping to significantly reduce energy bills for residents while being better for the environment.

“Together with our new partners at Higgins, we’re looking forward to continuing this pioneering work alongside Lendlease and the council.”

Declan Higgins, CEO of Higgins, added: “Plot 6 forms part of the exciting regeneration plans for Deptford Landings which will eventually see the creation of a brand-new community with over 1,000 new homes, retail and workspaces to support local businesses along with new landscaping, a park and public realm to enhance the area.

“We are pleased to once again be working in partnership with Peabody to deliver these much-needed new homes for the local area and look forward to moving ahead with work on site.”