Hardie® VL Plank - Project Zed House

Barratt Developments, the UK’s largest housebuilder, has built a unique flagship zero carbon home concept featuring Hardie^® VL Plank. The home is called the Zed House and will be occupied and monitored to assess its performance.

It is the first new home in the country built by a major housebuilder to go beyond the new Future Homes Standard by delivering a carbon reduction of 125% . Last year Barratt announced that all their new homes will be zero carbon by 2030 and this flagship concept house is the first step in achieving that. For this project Hardie^® VL Plank was chosen in Anthracite Grey in a half wrap to create a great contrast against the brickwork. The seamless interlock of Hardie^® VL Plank cladding epitomises architectural modern design and creates a stunning look for any home.

The home has been developed as an industry showcase home to demonstrate what is achievable, particularly from a mainstream, volume housebuilder. There has been a collaboration with over 40 leading industry partners from across the housebuilding, sustainability and technology sectors, all helping to broaden knowledge in zero carbon living with the lessons learnt from the construction being shared across the industry.

Incorporating Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) such as closed panel timber frames with highly insulated cladding. Less maintenance due to our ColourPlus™ Technology means that our products deliver a high-quality, consistent finish to facades that will stand the tests of time. Our unmatched technological innovation makes our product generations ahead in performance meaning our products are impact, fire, insect resistant and weather resistant. Therefore, as the world continues to look towards sustainable solutions for the future we continue to invest in the on-going development of composite cement products recognised as being durable, low maintenance and energy efficient.