Penlea

Project

Penlea

Location

Bridgwater

Client

Homes in Somerset

Contract

£5.5m

Duration

50 weeks

Project Description

The Penlea House redevelopment in Bridgwater represents a landmark achievement in modern, low-cost social housing. Originally initiated by the former Sedgemoor District Council in partnership with Classic Builders, this flagship project replaced a dilapidated, economically unsustainable 19th-century country building off Rhode Lane with a state-of-the-art residential complex.

Following regional local government restructuring, the site is managed by Homes in Somerset. Designed to meet pressing local housing demands in the area, the development features a single, four-storey apartment block providing 33 high-quality, 100% affordable social housing apartments. The layout consists entirely of one- and two-bedroom rented flats tailored for couples, single occupiers, and small families.

Achieving a zero-carbon rating required a sophisticated and forward-thinking engineering strategy from the pre-construction phase onward. The structural framework was built using advanced Porotherm clay blocks paired with reinforced concrete, establishing an exceptionally airtight, thermally efficient building envelope.

To optimise internal living spaces while meeting strict low-carbon performance requirements, the project team worked in close collaboration with specialised mechanical and electrical partners. Together, we identified and integrated compact M&E hardware and low-impact technology, successfully minimising the internal volume required for building systems while maximising energy efficiency and reducing resident utility bills.

By seamlessly blending cutting-edge green building technology with structural resilience, Classic Builders has delivered an inspiring asset that effectively balances environmental responsibility with a compassionate approach to public housing.