Gary Neville Set’s A Great Eco Example With His ‘Teletubby’ Home

Our homes account for 27% of the UK’s CO2 emissions, so Manchester United’s Gary Neville’s submission to build a carbon-zero home that is also architecturally significant sets a great example to homeowners across the country.

The zoned, petal-shaped design, noted for its resemblance to the set from CBBC’s Teletubbies, will be partially buried into the Pennine landscape. Submitted to Bolton Council on 15 January, the single story structure will be split into six themed wings - ‘eat’, ‘relax’, ‘entertain’, ‘work’, sleep’ and ‘play’ - clustered around a central kitchen.

Stuart Fraser of Make, the Architects who spent more than three years working on the design, said: ‘The client has been heavily involved in the design process and is passionate about preserving the natural beauty of this area.’

Permission to build on the greenbelt site is being pursued under the obscure ‘contemporary country house clause’ or PPS7 which makes exception to normal planning rules for designs that are outstanding or ground-breaking, often in their contribution to protecting and enhancing the environment or methods of construction. The home could become the 17th to win approval under the clause.

Jason Orme, Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine said “Gary’s house, designed by one of the UK’s most interesting architectural firms - is that rare find – a footballer’s house that more than holds its own in design terms. It’s sensitive, brave, architecturally significant and most importantly, carbon-zero.

Tim Pullen, Eco Homes Expert and Consultant for Homebuilding & Renovating said: “The question has to be asked, why decide to build underground? From an ecological viewpoint it has two significant impacts: it reduces the amount of energy needed to heat the house by using the surrounding earth to provide insulation and warmth; it also minimises the impact on the local ecology including plants and animals. We all leave a footprint as we walk through life and what Gary Neville is doing attempts to lighten the impact of his footprint. For that he must be congratulated.”

It is possible to build an eco friendly home or incorporate eco friendly products into an existing home on a much lower budget or scale than Gary Neville’s. Rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, underfloor heating, solar panels and extensive insulation are just some of the ways that homeowners can develop a more sustainable way of living without breaking the bank.

If you want to find out more about how you can become more environmentally friendly then visit the Eco Homes Show at The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, on at the NEC from 18 to 21 March. Tim Pullen will be on hand together with other Eco experts to discuss your plans and ideas and there are three specialist seminars every day on energy efficiency for both new build and existing homes. There are also 29 free masterclasses over the four days focussing on specific aspects of energy efficiency and environmentally friendly products and services. You can also get independent advice from the Energy Savings Trust or at the Eco Independent Advice Area.

For more information on what’s available at the Show or to buy tickets visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk or ring 0844 5811377. Tickets are £10 in advance or £14 on the door and children under 16 go free. The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show takes place from 18 to 21 March at the NEC in Birmingham.