Ty’r Groes Community Living formed part of Cardiff Council’s Older Persons Housing Strategy. The scheme comprised 41 independent living apartments alongside the re-provision of an existing community centre, with an associated garden and Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).

The design was developed in line with the core principles established by HAPPI (Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation). Accommodation was arranged across all floors, with all apartments benefiting from private external amenity space in the form of recessed balconies or gardens. The ground floor provided residents with access to a shared lounge and garden, alongside staff and back-of-house facilities. The new community centre was interlinked with the main residential building and extended eastwards as a single-storey element, addressing the new community garden and MUGA.

The aim of the scheme was to deliver a low-carbon development that minimised environmental impact while reducing ongoing running costs for residents. The Council and Encon committed to lowering carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty through the scheme. A fabric-first approach was adopted, supporting Cardiff Council’s transition towards low-carbon development. A communal heating system was installed alongside renewable technologies, including ground source heat pumps and solar PV with battery storage where appropriate.

The energy strategy ensured that an average SAP rating of ‘A’ was achieved across the development. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) were embedded within the design from the outset, integrating rainfall management with amenity, biodiversity, and site layout considerations. This approach ensured efficient land use while delivering multifunctional environmental, community, and cost benefits.

Encon collaborated closely with the design team during the pre-construction stage to establish performance requirements early and to ensure that EPC A, SAP A ratings, and renewable energy targets were successfully achieved.