EXPERTS at Huddersfield University have helped a local architect practice develop plans for low-energy buildings after a collaborative research project.

Edgerton-based FIBRE Architects joined forces with the university’s school of art, design and architecture to find ways of introducing techniques for low-cost new housing which will meet Government targets for all new homes to be zero-carbon by 2016.

FIBRE Architects worked with Richard Nicholls, senior lecturer in architecture, on the project – which benefited from Yorkshire for Innovation Voucher funding accessed through Business Link Yorkshire.

Martin Booker, director at FIBRE Architects, said: “The aim was to determine which were the more affordable and deliverable solutions and techniques for new housing, so that we and our clients could become better informed and feed the learning into newly proposed residential developments currently at feasibility stage.”

The research project was completed last autumn. Now FIBRE Architects is sharing its knowledge with its clients and shaping projects currently in the pipeline. The practice is also looking at further ventures with the university department.

Potential projects include using Knowledge Transfer Partnerships to find better ways of upgrading and converting mill buildings for a zero-carbon future, improving the building fabric and maximising the use of renewable energy sources.