Client: London Borough of Hounslow
Services: MEP Design, Sustainability Consultancy
Overview
Heston Grange is a landmark regeneration project led by Hounslow Council to transform the Convent Way estate into a vibrant, sustainable community. The scheme will deliver over 900 Passivhaus-standard homes, replacing outdated 1960s housing with modern, energy-efficient dwellings.
The development includes social rent and shared ownership homes, new community facilities, and enhanced public spaces, creating a healthier and more inclusive environment for residents.
Project vision
The regeneration aims to set a new benchmark for urban housing in the London Borough of Hounslow by combining high-performance building design, affordability, and long-term resilience. Residents voted in favour of the redevelopment, which will also feature an acoustic barrier to mitigate noise from the nearby M4 motorway, ensuring comfort and wellbeing.
Key features
Passivhaus Standard / Low Carbon Strategy:
All homes will be serviced by low-carbon infrastructure, including air source heat pumps providing heating and hot water, alongside roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels generating clean electricity. The development will achieve exceptional energy efficiency, significantly reducing heating and cooling demand while maintaining superior indoor comfort. Dedicated substations will be provided to support the new development, ensuring reliable electrical infrastructure to meet both current and future demand.
Affordable Housing:
100% of the new homes will be affordable, with a balanced mix of social rent and shared ownership options, providing long-term housing security and inclusivity.
Future-Proofed Infrastructure:
The design anticipates long-term climate resilience, with consideration for predicted challenges in both 2050 and 2080. This approach reduces the likelihood of significant future refurbishment, ensuring the development remains sustainable and adaptable for generations to come.
Community-Centric Design:
Improved landscaping, podium-covered parking, electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities, and sustainable transport links will promote safe, vibrant, and accessible communal spaces that encourage greener lifestyles and social interaction.
QODA’s role
QODA were appointed as MEP and Sustainable Engineers for the 1,000-dwelling masterplan, delivered across five phases. Our team provided detailed planning design and resolved complex technical and spatial challenges to ensure the project’s ambitious sustainability goals were met.
Our contributions include:
Communal Ambient Heat Network: Designed to optimise plant capital expenditure and space efficiency while minimising tenant energy bills.
Two-Stage Reversible Heat Pump System: Combined with passive design strategies to maximise thermal comfort and energy performance.
Integrated Sustainability Approach: Aligning Passivhaus principles with urban design, landscaping, and transport strategies to create a holistic, low-carbon community.
Impact
Heston Grange is more than a housing development; it’s a blueprint for sustainable regeneration in London. By integrating Passivhaus design, affordable housing, and future-ready energy systems, the project demonstrates how local authorities can deliver low-carbon, high-quality homes at scale.
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