Eco-housing first for Lancaster firm

A Lancashire construction firm is helping to lead the region’s move towards low-carbon living through a pioneering eco-housing project.

Baldwin Building Services has delivered the North West’s first modular-panel housing scheme, building four energy-efficient apartments and a new community centre in Lancaster. 

The project, part of Lancaster City Council’s Alder Grove independent living complex, used prefabricated insulated panels from sustainable manufacturer Etopia.

Designed by Mason Gillibrand Architects, the scheme prioritises accessibility and sustainability, with features including widened doors, wet rooms, ramped access and stair-lift-ready stairways. 

Powered by a 45-panel solar array, the homes also feature integrated EV charging and high-performance insulation that meets the top EPC A rating.

Jack Baldwin, managing director at Baldwin Building Services, said: “We’re extremely proud of this project because it embodies our values as a business more than anything we’ve done before.

“As well as achieving excellent energy efficiency through its innovative design, the building has been created through collaboration by numerous local partners.

“Trying something new like this always comes with a certain amount of trepidation, but having been through the process I hope that this is the first of many similar builds for us. 

“We’ve been able to use the opportunity to develop our workforce to bring new ‘green skills’ to the region and create employment in the local economy.”

Lee Donner, director of Mason Gillibrand Architects, added: “As soon as we and the Baldwin Building Services team saw the Etopia system for ourselves, we wanted to bring it to the Lancaster area.

“Fast forward a couple of years and Baldwin Building Services was taking delivery of the enormous pre-manufactured Etopia panels and craning them into place – we suddenly went from damp-proof course to seeing the roof trusses installed in only six days! 

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to hand over these purpose-designed, highly energy-efficient new homes; a great example of excellent new local authority housing and an achievement we’re certainly very proud of.”

Aimed at supporting older residents, the new block replaces part of the 1970s-built Marsh ward complex. 

An adjoining community centre offers an accessible space for socialising and serves as a base for the on-site manager.

Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council and portfolio holder for housing and homelessness, says the project marks a significant step in the council’s drive for greener, future-proofed housing.

She added: “This project is part of our wider commitment to improving the energy efficiency of council housing and increasing the supply of high-quality homes for local people. 

“It also reflects our strong dedication to working with local contractors wherever possible and supporting our local economy.” 

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