Sustainable? Check. With light and open living spaces? Check. In a neighbourly community? Check. This one-bedroom zero-carbon house in Hackbridge, now on the market, is ticking all our boxes. It’s one of 100 homes that forms part of the Beddington Zero Energy Development, a radical housing project better known as BedZED. Designed by architect Bill Dunster of ZEDfactory, in collaboration with environmental agency Bioregional and Arup engineer, it’s the first environmentally friendly development of its kind in the UK – and what a beauty it is…

BedZed has a host of accolades to its name; it won the RIBA Housing Design Award for sustainability and was shortlisted for the prestigious Stirling Prize the year after its completion, in 2003. These hefty credentials mean the houses on the site have become a blueprint for architects near and far wanting to build eco-friendly dwellings. This particular home sits in the middle of the development, right at the centre of the lively community (more on this later). Defined externally by its larch cladding, warm red brick and distinctive wind cowls, it’s a testament to Dunster’s brilliant eye for design.

The houses, with their soaring double-height ceilings, are a masterclass in maximising space and light. To make the most of the footprint (this one measures 876sq ft), a mezzanine level sits above the open-plan living space. Playing host to the bedroom and bathroom, it’s a wonderful sanctuary to retreat to at the end of the day. The ground floor, meanwhile, is perfect for entertaining– both at night and on a bright day, when the light pours in through the south-facing clerestory windows and skylights.

Both the open living spaces and the honest finish give the place a loft-like feel. When it came to the material palette, ZEDfactory aimed to use materials sourced within 35 miles of the site. That included breezeblocks, which have been left exposed (which is better for the environment than adding plasterboard), and girders reclaimed from its old projects that have been left visible, allowing the architectural integrity of the house to shine. The house also features large swathes of glass, meaning it’s primarily heated by solar gain, which – as well as bringing a high level of insulation – results in low-running costs.

A neighbourly atmosphere was also at the heart of Dunster’s design. Since its opening, a sense of community has been created and harboured at BedZED – and it has become a draw for anyone looking to live with like-minded people. There are a gardening and crafting clubs, a parent and toddler group, exercise and meditation classes and a monthly BedZED bar night, as well as an annual art exhibition and a Christmas craft fair. This communal style of living creates a wonderful friendly atmosphere that leaves people feeling at ease to let their children run around free in the shared gardens and stop to chat with neighbours.