Wombourne’s ETC has designs on a greener future with new ‘Research House’ » Housing » 24dash.com

A local architects practice is celebrating its 10th anniversary by working on a ground-breaking project to build a ‘home for the future’ at Nottingham University.

ETC Design Ltd of Wombourne has acquired a reputation for practicality and innovation and, following support by Business Link in the West Midlands, is now seeking to build on over £100 million worth of building projects, ranging from one off house design to major commercial developments.

Work on the ‘Research House’, due to be built later this year, incorporates energy saving features, including triple glazed windows, photovoltaic panels, rainwater recovery systems and ground source heat pump with battery storage.

It also demonstrates aspects of modern methods of construction, such as insulated panel construction, prefabricated foundation and pile systems together with a completed roof system, hoisted onto the house in a matter of minutes. This allows construction off-site to cut time and costs.

Ian Tompkins, Managing Director, explained: “Our design skills and experience in low energy buildings have opened up many opportunities in all building types.

“The principal aim is to develop creative design solutions to meet our clients’ expectations on every project, whilst still providing a functional and practical approach within budget and programme.

“We strive to keep our designs as low carbon as possible, with compact and efficient building layouts. This principle is sensible across all building types and is particularly relevant at the moment to commercial buildings either new or refurbished.”

He went on to add: “Right from the outset, we have had backing from Business Link and I find their ongoing mentoring and support invaluable in helping us to network and widen our client list.”

Other recent ETC Design projects include buildings to house flight simulators for Boeing at their flight training centres in Gatwick, Manchester, Singapore, and Shanghai, many housing developments within the parameter of Eco Homes/ Sustainable Code for South Shropshire Housing Association and a host of educational buildings.

Business Adviser Shuba Gupta said “Here at Business Link we have supported ETC Design from the outset and I’m pleased to see the development of the company over the last 10 years.

“I think that their greatest strength is that they offer that extra personal service bespoke to each client’s needs. Our advice in the current difficult financial climate is for them to diversify their workload to include more public sector contracts, including social housing projects for which they have already established their reputation.”

By 2010, Business Link will have helped 70,000 businesses every year with basic information, with a further 16,000 receiving intensive support from experienced advisers.

This level of support is expected to generate a £400m improvement to the economic performance of the West Midlands.

Its team of advisers is continually working with companies to help address the concerns of firms struggling with the credit crunch and the tough economic climate.

For further information, please contact 0845 113 1234 or visit www.businesslinkwm.co.uk