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News release from Ballyconnelly Developments

‘Des res’ eco homes blaze a trail

Picking up the keys to a stylish, Scandinavian-inspired, eco-friendly three-bedroom home priced at £150,000 may seem like a crazy pipedream, yet this is precisely what’s on offer from innovative Scottish property company, Ballyconnelly Developments of Greenock. 

Managing director Pol Stewart has thrown down the gauntlet to the UK’s property sector by launching the company’s Enkelt Living brand of sustainable three-bedroom family homes, in Dunoon, for the price of a one-bedroom flat elsewhere in the Central Belt.  

95% of the materials used in the build are based on recycled products, or provided by forests managed by the Forest Stewardship Council.  The carbon footprint created by the construction process will be offset by planting trees to soak up unavoidable C02 emissions from the transportation of materials to site.

The development of four delightful energy-efficient, 80 sq metre semi-detached homes features copious levels of natural light and clean flowing lines, with natural, non-toxic materials used wherever possible. 

High specification interior fixtures and fittings range from high gloss white open-plan kitchens with stainless steel appliances and solid oak worktops, to argon-filled timber windows; solid wood doors; underfloor heating; sleek, contemporary European bathroom suites; 3 metre ceiling heights on the upper floor; and floored, open loft areas. 

The showhouse has been styled using drop dead gorgeous wallcoverings and textiles from award-winning Glasgow textiles designer, Natasha Marshall whose work is distributed internationally and can be seen in designer stores such as Liberty, Heals and John Lewis, as well as in luxury boutique hotels including Malmaison and Hotel du Vin. The resulting ‘wow factor’ demonstrates that high lifestyle aspirations needn’t be sacrificed when building healthy, affordable homes with minimal environmental impact.

Pol Stewart is a professional engineer and Norwegian speaker, and passionate advocate of sustainable economic development and ethical business practices. 

He commented:

“The Ballyconnelly team is absolutely focused on selling affordable, desirable, energy-efficient homes for the future.  We have invested heavily to create our Scandinavian-inspired Enkelt Living brand which will help to bring quality, sustainably-built home ownership within reach of many families who have been priced out of the market.

“We are extremely proud that these new homes will enhance quality of life while hugely reducing energy costs for their new owners.  We’re convinced, too, that there is massive potential to extend the Enkelt Living brand via land-buying partnerships with local authorities and like-minded investors and developers which will allow us to build, potentially, hundreds more ethical, affordable homes to help address Scotland’s chronic housing shortage.

“This is a time of huge change within the property market, and companies need to consistently innovate to survive.  Since we recruit local labour during construction, our approach delivers significant job creation and economic regeneration benefits while at the same time helping hard-pressed families to realise their dream of home ownership.”

Enkelt Living homes come equipped with a whole host of energy-saving features, fitted as standard. These include heat recovery units, thermal barriers, automated smart electricity meters, high tech Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) and low maintenance roof tiles. As a result, heating bills should be, on average, approximately 80% lower than a conventionally-built home of comparable size. 

In a conscious shift away from standard construction industry sub-contracting practices, Ballyconnelly’s skilled workforce comprises only highly-motivated full-time employees who work together throughout each phase of construction.  The company maintains that this team approach delivers much tougher stringent quality control.

Lori McElroy, Sust. Project Director at The Lighthouse – Scotland’s Centre for Architecture, Design and the City said:

“Sust. was delighted to have the opportunity to provide input to the Ballyconnelly team as they evolved and refined this exciting new Enkelt Living brand of affordable, quality homes.
 
“There is an urgent need for this type of energy-efficient housing, adopting an approach that uses both novel design methods and advanced technologies coupled with simple yet effective construction methods.  It’s heartening to see such a dynamic company demonstrate that building ‘healthy homes’ certainly does not mean having to sacrifice style or lifestyle aspirations.”

Viewing appointments can be arranged through selling agents: Stewart Property, 61-63 Argyll Street, Dunoon PA23 7HG. T: 01369 705454.                                                                                                          

- ends -                                                                                       24 July, 2008

For further information or images, please contact Pamela Bailey, PR Continuum.  T: 0844 445 1661.   e: pamela.bailey@prcontinuum.com

Notes to Editors:

1. Ballyconnelly Developments has completed a number of high quality residential housing developments in Inverclyde and the Isle of Bute.

2. In addition to new energy-efficient homes in Dunoon, five further new build or refurbishment residential developments are currently at planning or development in Greenock: at Captain Street, Dempster Street, Fox Street, Nelson Street and Newton Street.

3. The company is privately owned by managing director Pol Stewart, a professional engineer.  Its headquarters in Captain Street, Greenock are relaxed, contemporary, open plan offices featuring original artworks.

4. The company is proud to ‘walk the talk’ – company vehicles are stylish, energy-efficient SMART cars.