A FENLAND architect says a family s bid for a new home will be one of the most eco-friendly homes in the district. Jerry Harrall, of SEArch Architects of Long Sutton, described proposals for the new home for the Winteringham family as anticipating the in

A FENLAND architect says a family's bid for a new home will be one of the most eco-friendly homes in the district.

Jerry Harrall, of SEArch Architects of Long Sutton, described proposals for the new home for the Winteringham family as "anticipating the inevitable, the fossil fuel-free age".

He says the building will demonstrate the benefits of "low environmental impact construction methods and passive solar design techniques" and that "its ecologically sound credentials will be evident from the materials specification, construction process and the building in use"

He added that zero heating and net zero CO2 emissions in occupation and construction were the driving ethos of this family dwelling.

The house will be built, if West Norfolk Borough Council's planners agree, next to 65 School Road, Tilney St Lawrence.

Good design will ensure maximum solar gains with the energy stored in floors and walls which act as a storage radiator, re-radiating the heat back into the room at times when the external temperature is lower than that in the house.

The company says "super insulation" will ensure a low rate of heat loss, and a low grade electric under floor heating system will provide an automated back up in time of severe cold weather.

Rainwater harvesting is another feature, with water being discharged into a courtyard balancing pond.

"It is intended the rainwater will be harvested to water the plants, wash the cars and to supplement external maintenance," says SEArch.

Solar water heating panels will be incorporated into a pergola. These will supplement the hot water requirements.

"It is expected they will generate a majority of the hot water requirements during the summer months and a significant amount during the winter months," says SEArch.

A report to the council says the intention of the proposed house "is to provide the Winteringhams' with a functional, enjoyable family environment".

It will furnish them with an environmentally responsible home "responding to their aspirations and striving for autonomy and alleviating them the burden of the threat of fuel poverty".