FROM START TO FINISH
Gwent Properties embarked on an ambitious sustainable housing project at the disused Thornton's Quarry in Ebbw Vale. Under site manager Andrew Thomas, the team is constructing 47 homes using Passivhaus principles, high-performance materials, and innovative site recycling methods. Envirovent's MVHR ventilation units and design support played a pivotal role in achieving the project's stringent energy-efficiency targets while maintaining seamless supply and technical guidance throughout.
Thornton's Quarry, a former industrial site, presented both a unique opportunity and a challenge. The site manager, Andrew Thomas, led the initiative to transform the quarry into a residential community by leveraging locally sourced materials and cutting-edge passive technologies.
"We're building 47 passive technology homes in Ebbw Vale, South Wales. We're using a lot of passive techniques." – Andrew Thomas
Ensuring the homes achieve Passivhaus standards without any reliance on traditional gas heating presented a demanding energy efficiency challenge, particularly given the scale of 47 dwellings. Adding to this complexity was the need to navigate evolving passive technology regulations with local building control, which were encountering these standards for the first time and required extensive technical support to approve the designs. On top of these requirements, coordinating the supply chain so that each MVHR unit arrived shrink-wrapped, palletised, correctly labelled, and on time for each plot demanded meticulous planning and real-time communication with the supplier.
"We have had a few issues with building control because this is quite a new subject for them also... Gary was able to provide me the answer I needed within the term of 24 hours." – Andrew Thomas
The design integrated fully triple-glazed windows and underfloor heating powered by air-source heat pumps to maximise thermal performance, eliminating any need for gas heating and ensuring airtight, energy-efficient building envelopes. Envirovent’s MVHR units were selected after a seamless design service and swift project quoting process each system arrived carefully packaged and clearly identified for quick installation. Throughout construction, a dedicated Key Account Manager provided expert design validation and rapid technical responses, which streamlined approvals with building control and kept the project on schedule.
"The design process was second to none... within a matter of days, we had fully quoted projects sent back to us." – Andrew Thomas
The development now operates with 100% renewable heating via air-source heat pumps paired with high-efficiency MVHR ventilation, fully meeting Passivhaus performance criteria and dramatically reducing energy consumption. The on-site recycling of thousands of tonnes of quarried stone into aggregate and topsoil minimised waste and transport emissions, showcasing a holistic approach to sustainability. Finally, the reliable supply chain and rapid support from Envirovent ensured minimal installation delays and reinforced a strong partnership, paving the way for all future Gwent Properties projects to adopt Passivhaus technology seamlessly.
Thornton's Quarry exemplifies how passive design principles and strategic vendor partnerships can deliver high-performance, sustainable housing. Gwent Properties’ collaboration with Envirovent has not only met but exceeded project goals, setting a benchmark for future developments in the region.
"If anyone were to be looking for a suitable company, then I would definitely recommend Envirovent 100%." – Andrew Thomas
