Rainbow Way, Minehead – delivering a climate‑resilient, net zero carbon community

The recent opening of our eco-housing development at Rainbow Way in Minehead, represents a major milestone in the region’s transition toward climate‑resilient, zero‑carbon living. Delivered in partnership with Classic Builders and Homes in Somerset, this pioneering development brings 54 Net Zero Carbon homes – 33 apartments and 21 houses – to the area, marking the first new council homes in West Somerset for more than 30 years.

All homes are now fully let, allocated to residents with strong local connections. The development demonstrates our commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030 and showcases how modern construction technology, renewable energy systems and thoughtful design can deliver comfortable, low‑impact homes that reduce environmental footprints while supporting long‑term affordability.

Modern methods of construction for low-carbon performance

To reduce embodied carbon and boost thermal performance, the scheme employs Porotherm clay blocks – a breathable, high‑performance wall system that enhances airtightness and energy retention in line with Low Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) principles.

Supporting this, additional Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and building fabric technologies, include:

• Porotherm blocks with airtightness <1.5 m³/h/m² at 50Pa
• External wall insulation for enhanced heat retention
• Triple‑glazed aluminium windows to maximise efficiency and natural light

These fabric‑first measures lay the foundation for ultra‑low operational carbon, enabling the homes to exceed regulatory thermal performance benchmarks.

Renewable, low‑energy technologies integrated throughout

Rainbow Way integrates an ambitious suite of renewable systems and smart technologies designed to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels. Key features include:

• Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs): providing highly efficient low‑carbon heating for every home
• Roof‑mounted Photovoltaic solar panels (PVs): allowing the development to generate 100% of predicted operational energy on site, enabling many properties to export surplus electricity
• Inverter systems using PV power to heat water: further increasing on‑site renewable use and reducing grid demand
• Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MVHR): ensuring continuously filtered fresh air, reducing heating loads and improving occupant wellbeing
• Sedum green roofing on bin and bike stores: enhancing biodiversity, reducing rainwater run‑off, and contributing to the development’s climate‑resilience strategy
• Smart technology for energy and comfort:
  • Switchee smart thermostats with damp and mould sensors
  • 5‑year post‑occupancy energy monitoring to ensure continuous performance and optimisation

All designed to give residents unprecedented visibility and control over their home energy use.

LETI‑aligned performance delivering genuine net zero carbon

The Rainbow Way development sets an ambitious benchmark for local authority housing, meeting LETI’s definition of ultra‑low operational energy through fabric‑first design and renewable integration.

Performance highlights include:

• Fabric Energy Efficiency: 30% above building regulations
• Average SAP/EPC rating: A (105) – far outperforming the typical 86/B
• Net energy use: –525 kWh/year (homes produce more energy than they consume)
• Average CO₂ emissions: –273 kg/year, achieving genuine Net Zero Carbon operation

These achievements position Rainbow Way as a leading example of how local authorities can deliver high‑quality, climate‑responsive housing at scale.

Supporting local people and strengthening climate resilience

Beyond its technical achievements, the opening of Rainbow Way has had an immediate social impact. As reported in ‘Minehead eco-homes mark housing milestone’, our press release published 15 January, the homes were delivered in response to high local housing need, with strong demand evident even during construction. Residents describe the homes as life‑changing, providing affordability, stability, and modern comfort.

By embedding EV charging infrastructure, generous cycle storage, green play spaces, and active travel links, including a new footbridge, the development supports lower‑carbon lifestyles and long‑term community wellbeing.

A recognised model of sustainable place‑making

Reflecting its innovation and environmental ambition, Rainbow Way has been shortlisted for the Michelmores Residential Project of the Year award. The project exemplifies how progressive design, renewable technology, and local partnership can deliver transformative housing for current and future generations.