BOURNEMOUTH’S first council eco-homes have been unveiled.

The completion of the three two-bedroom houses in Montgomery Avenue, West Howe, was officially marked with a ribbon cutting on Friday (November 2).

Bournemouth council said the houses would contribute to their existing housing stock and provide homes for those on the council housing list.

The homes are the first to be built by the council designed to Passivhaus standard and should reduce energy demand by up to 90 per cent compared to a building complying to current UK building regulations.

Other benefits include less time spent on construction, improved build quality, durability, reduced maintenance costs and increased building life.

Residents should see reduced fuel bills, reduced need to use heating, reduced draughts and condensation and cleaner homes as the ventilation system removes dust and pollen.

The homes are energy efficient thanks to a thermally efficient shell, reducing heat loss through air leakage, triple-glazed windows and doors and a heat recovery ventilation system.

The foundations are formed on a thick insulated raft unlike traditional blockwork footings while the walls are constructed from thick hollow clay blocks unlike the traditional cavity brick wall.

The clay blocks are thermally efficient, easier to lay than traditional bricks and do not require any additional layers of insulation.

Councillor Robert Lawton, cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m delighted to see the completion of these new eco-homes - a first for Bournemouth. With this successful build under our belt we hope to be able to roll out the Passivhaus design specification across future properties across the town in the future.

“It’s fantastic that we can not only provide much needed affordable accommodation for local people but also lead the way in energy efficient new builds in Bournemouth whilst reducing fuel poverty.”

The build cost is approximately £2,000 per m2 and is funded by the council.