Date published: 23 May 2025
Stonewater has celebrated the completion of an ultra-energy efficient affordable housing scheme for local people in Wiltshire.
Colleagues from the leading housing provider were joined by local parish councillors, customers, developers Winsley White and team members from home energy management provider Wondrwall during an opening event at Star Ground, Holt.
The scheme consists of 10 homes for social rent and is the second phase of the Star Ground development, the first providing 12 homes in 2012.
After Stonewater worked with Holt Parish Council to identify the long-term need for rural homes, the second phase was brought forward on a rural exception site, which allows land to be provided below market value for residential development.
The 1, 2 and 3-bedroom homes have been made available for people living in the local area and were part-funded by Homes England. Built in line with Passivhaus standards, they will help customers save money on their energy bills thanks to triple glazing, solar panels and the Wondrwall smart home and heating system.
Wondrwall offers smart and low carbon solutions for housebuilders, including infrared heating panels, electric underfloor heating and air source heat pumps, among other intelligent home products.
Other sustainability and ecology measures are in place to attract nature and wildlife to the scheme. Bat boxes, a large bug hotel, hedgehog crossings and integrated nesting boxes have been installed in the landscaped areas of the development, with over 30 new trees being planted.
As part of the event, a public art piece inspired by the constellation Ursa Major (The Great Bear) and designed by Studio B.A.D was unveiled. Children from the nearby Holt Pre-school contributed to the design by providing drawings that were etched onto the sides of the Corten steel in triangular shapes.
Matthew Crucefix, Director of Development (West and South), said: “It’s important that we continue to provide housing options for people in rural areas. Completing the Star Ground development will bring great opportunities for the community to thrive and have safe, warm and environmentally sustainable homes to live in.
“The homes have been constructed with sustainability at the forefront of our minds and in line with Passivhaus standards to minimise environmental impact and save customers money on their bills.”
Stonewater is in the process of building other affordable housing schemes across Wiltshire, including Andover Road in Ludgershall.
