SeeAbility’s Launch Eco-Friendly Living in Horley  

SeeAbility’s new service for people with multiple disabilities in Horley stands to become one of the most eco-friendly accommodation of its kind in the UK. Bradbury House a supported living service in Massetts Road will provide specially designed accommodation for six individuals.

SeeAbility, specialises in creating individually tailored services for people with a visual impairment and additional disabilities to help each person maximise their independence through personal development and integration into the local community.  

While the Government has set ‘green building’ guidelines through local authority Building Control Departments, SeeAbility has decided to set itself higher targets.  Bradbury House incorporates a range of environmentally aware systems which make it both sustainable and more cost effective to run.  These innovations are particularly beneficial to people with complex disabilities who need a constant level of heating and hot water.

Solar hot water panels on the roof are warmed by daylight. Water is then pumped through them, so that even on dull, cool days the water temperature will be raised. The water is then stored in fiberglass-coated cylinders as usual until required - a boiler is used only in extremely cold conditions.

Another eco-friendly feature is the heat recovery system. This draws in the air within the building separating the condensation from the warm air. The moist air is then pushed out of the building but the warm air is recycled back. This also prevents damp and mould which can cause or aggravate health problems.  The functions can be reversed during the summer to keep a constant temperature.  Together these innovative environmentally aware systems will save over £3,000 per year compared to using traditional heating and ventilation methods.

In addition the design of the new building will have a range of design features to enable each person to maximize their independence; rooms will incorporate textural and colour coding, wheelchair access and wet-room style bathrooms.

Justin Roxburgh, SeeAbility’s Housing and Development Director comments, “This new development is a groundbreaking step in the provision of accommodation for people with a visual impairment and additional disabilities.  SeeAbility is committed to sustainable developments and incorporating the latest features to allow people to maximise their independence and reduce escalating running costs.  We are delighted that we are launching this in Horley which has been such a supportive community.”

Adele Lawrence, Occupational Therapist at Surrey County Council commented “The building has been well thought out and attractively constructed yet consideration has been given to ensuring it is both economically and environmentally friendly. It is apparent that the needs of those who will live there have been at the forefront of the design plans.

I am confident that this exciting, dynamic and innovative project will be at the cutting edge of provider accommodation. It will simultaneously deliver the essential core values necessary in order to equip individuals to lead fulfilling lives and harness the maximum opportunities for independence and empowerment.”

The new development is due to open spring 2010.