Fishburn housing scheme sets green standard

A new housing development is setting new standards for affordable, eco-friendly living.

Hardwick Court, a collection of 13 luxury family homes in the former coal mining village of Fishburn, near Sedgefield, County Durham, features the UK’s first properties equipped with advanced energy-saving technology at no upfront cost to buyers. 

Developed by sustainable housebuilder Mallard Homes in partnership with energy firm Wondrwall, the project is owned by Dutch property group Ciconia.

Each home includes smart lighting, heating, security and Amazon Alexa voice control, all managed through an intelligent system that learns residents’ routines to maximise efficiency and reduce emissions.

Powered by solar PV and battery storage with EV charging, the homes use a unique PowrPlan agreement where buyers pay a fixed standing charge – guaranteed to be cheaper than typical utility bills – with maintenance and battery replacement covered.

Paul Heap, managing director of Mallard Homes, said: “These luxury homes are built with modern living in mind, with a high-specification finish and home office space, set in a beautifully landscaped site. 

“We are very excited to partner with Wondrwall to offer their groundbreaking energy system that will benefit homeowners and the planet.

“This development fits within our core purpose of creating highly sustainable homes with a low carbon footprint and lower energy bills, designed, located and affordable for everyday regular families.”

Daniel Burton, chief executive of Wondrwall Group, added: “Hardwick Court marks a major milestone in making intelligent, low-carbon living accessible to everyone - not just the few. 

“For the first time in the UK, homeowners can move into a property that comes fully equipped with the latest clean energy technology, without paying a premium. 

“By combining intelligent energy generation and storage with zero upfront cost, we’re proving that sustainable living can be both desirable and affordable. 

“Our partnership with Mallard Homes shows how we can accelerate the UK’s journey to net-zero.”

Priced from £335,950, the development is scheduled for completion by October 2025, with an open day on July 26.

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