Next generation of construction specialists at Exeter College visit innovative development

The next generation of construction specialists studying at Exeter College had a behind-the-scenes tour of an innovative low energy building project.

Seventeen first-year students studying for their Construction and the Built Environment BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma visited the development next to Rennes House, Whipton, in Exeter. The project is being built on behalf of Exeter City Council.

Contractors C G Fry and Son Ltd and architects Gale & Snowden Architects gave a tour of the project and gave insights into its modern Passivhaus or ‘Passive House’ design and construction.

The Passivhaus design will mean that the properties will require very little heating due to their design, helping to reduce energy use and bills.

David Gifford, Construction Programme Leader, Exeter College, said: “We are very grateful to CG Fry & Son Builders for hosting the visit by our students to see this innovative new development.

“The students had a fantastic time having a behind-the-scenes look at the development and finding out how it the design will create low energy homes.”

Passivhaus or ‘Passive House’ Standard, is the fastest growing energy performance standard in the world, developed in Germany in the early 1990s.

• Are you thinking about a future in Construction?

Thinking of training to be a painter, decorate, bricklayer, carpenter, plumber, or electrician or looking for a role that may lead to a career in site management, building surveying or architecture? Exeter College offers a broad range of employer led construction programmes to enable our students to get the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.

For more about our range of programmes and to apply, see:  http://www.exe-coll.ac.uk/1618/Subjects/Construction