Greencore Homes starts construction on a new community of 65 homes

 Friday, December 19, 2025

Greencore Homes has officially commenced construction on its landmark development in the historic village of Launton, Oxfordshire. This 5.8-acre site, situated on Station Road, is set to become a flagship community of 65 high-performance properties that do more than just meet current environmental standards—they are engineered to be “Better than Net Zero.”

As the UK construction industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonise, the Launton project serves as a blueprint for the future of residential development. By combining innovative natural materials with rigorous Passivhaus principles, Greencore Homes is redefining what it means to live sustainably in the 21st century.

The core of Greencore’s mission is to address both the housing shortage and the climate crisis simultaneously. While most modern developments aim for “Net Zero Ready” status, the Launton project achieves a “Better than Net Zero” rating through a two-pronged approach:

1. Ultra-low embodied carbon: The homes are constructed using Greencore’s proprietary Biond building system. These closed timber-frame panels are manufactured off-site in Bicester and insulated with natural, bio-based materials like hemp-lime and wood fibre. Unlike traditional brick and concrete, these natural materials actually sequester carbon, meaning the structure of the home “locks up” more CO2 than was emitted during its production.
2. Net zero operational energy: Each home is designed to achieve an EPC-A rating, the highest possible energy performance certificate. Through the integration of high-efficiency solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and advanced renewable energy systems, these homes are projected to generate as much energy as they consume over a typical year.

“At Greencore Homes, we’re not just building houses; we’re setting a new standard for sustainable living,” says Laura Stone, COO of Greencore Homes. “Our development at Station Road exemplifies our commitment to delivering homes that are healthy, comfortable, and cost-effective for residents, while contributing meaningfully to the transition towards a zero-carbon future.”

Beyond the walls of the homes, the development is a masterclass in landscape-led urban design. Working alongside A’Bear and Ball Architects and Edge Urban Design, Greencore has prioritised the local ecosystem.

Rather than clearing the land, the project seeks to enhance it. The 5.8-acre site will preserve large areas of existing woodland and introduce new public green spaces and walking routes. This strategy is expected to deliver a staggering 23% biodiversity net gain—a figure that far exceeds the UK’s mandatory 10% requirement for new developments.

The development offers a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes, catering to a diverse range of buyers—from first-time homeowners to growing families. Residents will benefit from the charm of Launton, a village recorded in the Domesday Book that still retains a vibrant community spirit.

Local amenities include:

• Award-winning local pubs and independent coffee shops.
• A dedicated primary school and village hall.
• Excellent connectivity: Located just 10 minutes from Bicester, residents can access London Marylebone by train in under an hour.

For the future residents of Station Road, the benefits of a Greencore home extend beyond environmental altruism. Built to Passivhaus standards, these properties feature exceptional airtightness and thermal performance.

This means that even in the height of winter, the homes require minimal heating, leading to significantly lower utility bills compared to traditional UK housing stock. Furthermore, the use of natural, non-toxic materials ensures superior indoor air quality, promoting long-term health and well-being for occupants.

The first phase of homes at Station Road, Launton, is expected to be ready for occupation by Autumn 2026.

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Tags: Better than Net Zero homes, Eco-friendly property development, Greencore Homes Launton, New homes in Bicester, Passivhaus construction UK, Sustainable housing Oxfordshire