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Transforming spaces

Starship, Onward & VELUX

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Three partners, thirteen homes, one low-carbon landmark
Starship, Onward, and VELUX

Across the UK, much of the existing social housing stock faces ongoing challenges related to damp, mould and poor indoor air quality. Limited access to daylight, inadequate ventilation and rising energy costs can negatively affect residents’ health, comfort and long-term wellbeing. In fact, people in damp or poorly lit homes are 66% more likely to report poor health and 40% more likely to develop asthma or COPD*. Addressing these issues requires solutions that improve indoor conditions without increasing build complexity or running costs.

Greenleas in Wallasey on the Wirral demonstrates how these challenges can be addressed through thoughtful design, partnership and proven solutions.

The development was delivered by Starship, Onward, and VELUX with the support from Homes England and the Liverpool City Region Brownfield Land Fund. It showcases 13 rent-to-buy homes that are affordable and efficient. The scheme proves how low-carbon homes can reduce running costs while ensuring long-term wellbeing.

More than a pilot or promise, Greenleas is now a built example of partnership that brings a shared vision through to fruition – aligning innovation, sustainability and affordability in a way that’s tangible for the families who call it home.

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More daylight for healthier indoor living

Indoor environment quality was a central design priority. The VELUX dormer solution was chosen not only for its daylight performance, but also for its ease of integration into Starship’s panelised construction system. VELUX Dormer roof windows can be installed quickly, typically within one day, helping to maintain programme efficiency while delivering consistent quality across multiple homes. This makes the solution well suited to repeatable, scalable housing models.

The dormer design also increases head height and usable floor space. This provides comfortable proportions and ensures the upper level feels like a full extension of the home rather than a converted loft.

The openable VELUX Dormer roof windows allow effective purge ventilation – so air can circulate freely, moisture can be expelled and the risk of damp and mould reduced. The combination of natural light, ventilation and thermal performance contributes to a healthier internal environment all year round.

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drone 3-1

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Area

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Dormer external

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Site-1

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Energy efficiency and low running cost

Each property features solar panels, air source heat pumps and double glazing to reduce energy demand. Together, these technologies lower carbon emissions and provide stable, efficient heating throughout the year.

For residents, this lowers their day-to-day running costs and gives them greater control over household energy use. Affordability is therefore managed through tenure as well as long-term operational performance.

Modern methods of construction

The homes were manufactured using Starship’s precision panelised system, built in a controlled factory environment to ensure consistent quality, reduced material waste and improved programme certainty. Components arrived on site ready to be assembled quickly, which significantly sped up build times and reduced disruption to the surrounding community.

This approach upheld durability and performance from day one – it also provided a repeatable model for delivering sustainable housing at scale.

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Adaptable homes of the future

The room-in-the-roof concept supports flexibility in line with Lifetime Homes principles, a design framework that ensures homes remain accessible and practical as residents’ needs change overtime.

The LH principles encourage thoughtful layouts and a built-in capacity for future adaptions, so homes can accommodate growing families, working from home as well as reduced mobility without costly structural alteration.

The additional upper floor space can function as a bedroom, workspace or quiet living area depending on the needs of the household, with the layout able to respond as circumstances evolve.

Through precise construction, integrated sustainable technology and focus on health and adaptability, Greenleas sets a practical example of how affordable housing can meet present and future needs.

"As a modular manufacturer, repeatability is key to us and working with VELUX, it's very simple to create that extra space in the roof repeatedly. We can get more effective with costs and more efficiency and time and with less maintenance in the future”.

Chris Dodd, Director, Starship Group

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“A lot of the feedback from our customers has been around the excitement to just be able to utilise this space, to relax, to have a glass of wine, also to work and sit and watch the view. It offers the opportunity to utilise the space in many ways.”

Elaine Smith, Sales Specialist, Onward

“Working with trusted partners such as Starship and VELUX allows Onward to achieve one of our key goals, which is not only providing affordable homes, but providing homes that people truly want to live in”

Richard O’Neil, Project Manager, Onward

About STARSHIP

Starship is a place-led developer, passionate about urban regeneration and low-carbon living. The company champions innovation in all projects and uses the widest range of design, engineering and construction methods possible.

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About Onward

Onward is one of the largest providers of social housing in the North West of England, managing 35,000 homes across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire. As a not-for-profit organisation overseen by the Regulator of Social Housing, it’s committed to enabling customers to thrive by delivering homes they love, support they value and vibrant communities they’re proud to be part of.

About VELUX

Add value to investments and create bright, energy-efficient and healthy homes. Visit the VELUX website to find out more.

*Source: Healthy Buildings Barometer 2024 + supporting European indoor climate research - Read the annual research-based report, Healthy Buildings Barometer

Interested in reducing artificial lighting and creating sustainable homes with lower energy bills?

Let's talk

Trevor Smith
National Housing Manager

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