The search is underway to find two families to test-drive two eco-homes in Northamptonshire – by living in them for a year, rent free.
Packed with carbon and energy saving technology, Velux have built two brand new eco-homes and have launched a campaign to find suitable “tenants” to test-drive them, as part of an initiative to prove that eco-friendly living can reduce household bills and help the environment.
The Velux CarbonLight Homes will transform the way people see sustainable living, and these pioneering homes are part of the group’s Model Home 2020 project.
The two properties in Rothwell, Northamptonshire come fully furnished and the search to find real families to test drive real homes will officially be launched at the Grand Designs Live roadshow at the NEC in Birmingham from 7th-9th October.
Viewed as a practical and affordable solution to mass market new builds in the UK, the 3 and 4 bed-roomed energy efficient properties benefit from renewable energy technology, including air source heat pumps and a solar hot water heating, enabling the house to generate its own energy. With ‘smart’ temperature controlling technology, to help reduce energy consumption and household running costs, lights have been designed to go on and off automatically, depending on room activity and available daylight.
“Our search for families to test drive these homes will provide us with a chance to further drive consumer awareness of affordable and sustainable future living practises,” commented Keith Riddle, Managing Director at VELUX.
“The test residency would be ideal for anyone in the region currently planning a house move or undertaking a self-build project and in need of a new temporary home base for 12 months,” he added.
To be eligible to be one of the families chosen to test-drive a “home of the future”, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a two adult / two children family unit or a two adult / one child family unit.
- Have at least a basic understanding of eco practises.
- Be prepared to review and maintain a diary detailing their time spent at the CarbonLight Homes.
- Be able to move in to the property in March 2012 for a full 12 months.
