Concept
PortZED was born out of the desire to create a world first truly sustainable mixed use development incorporating the latest in renewable technologies whilst maximising the surrounding natural resources.
PortZED will be a ground breaking sustainability project with all homes achieving code 6 on the code for sustainable homes scale ‘true zero carbon’. This will be an iconic building which will assist Brighton & Hove City Council in achieving its key objectives to become a center of excellence for sustainable living.
PortZED will provide much needed sustainable residential accommodation consisting of 67 apartments, together with community and retail facilities which may serve as a catalyst to unlock the potential of Shoreham Port.
This is an exciting opportunity to attract investment into our city and focus the world’s attention on Brighton and Hove as an example of a city that is truly serious about reducing carbon emissions whilst enhancing the quality of its built environment.
PortZED’s zero carbon status is achieved by a range of characteristics including:
- On site renewable power generation to include:
- Helical wind turbines, photovoltaics, solar thermal & biomass boilers
- Rainwater harvesting and water saving devices
- Low energy devices
- Building fabric to be high thermal mass and hence highly insulative
- high air tightness and passive ventilation system
- Low energy devices
- low water usage fittings and WCs fed by rainwater stored underneath the buildings
- Responsibly and locally sourced (where possible) materials
- Inside / outside sun spaces and balconies
- Green wall and spaces for food production and shading
- Encouraging sustainable methods of transport
The development comprises six buildings each consisting of affordable and private housing sitting above a canopy which protects a range of office, retail and recreational activities. The six buildings are connected by a new pedestrian deck promenade providing commercial and play space, a visitor centre and spanning over commercial units, car parking, and a car pool.
The development achieves dense urban regeneration whilst at the same time providing a permeable public face to the proposed new port development.
“The PortZED development is an example of how a good architectural concept and zero carbon solutions can come together successfully. It clearly shows that high level environmental construction, green energy provision and measures to enable a low carbon lifestyle can also produce an architecture that is appropriate for the Brighton & Hove seafront…We welcome PortZED as a first step to regenerate the area; it in turn will be part of the fixed context that the harbour development will have to respond to.” (CABE Review October 2007)
