Rio have completed a number of regeneration projects since 2000, from converting a derelict turn of the century cheese factory into contemporary high end loft style apartments, to Town Centre regeneration works at Carmarthen designing a centre piece Market Hall for the historic Carmarthen Trading Market. The Market Hall was shortlisted in the Regeneration category of the RICS Wales awards 2011
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More recently Rio have worked with Cynon Taf Housing Association regenerating existing 100 year old minors cottages in Penrhiwceiber to conform to modern aspirations for sustainable (less energy hungry) living and the modern pressures of family and community life.
As Government commitments to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 begin to take effect in current and predicted building legislation, then the onus on regeneration projects comes increasingly to the fore, and whilst it is still currently accepted that refurbishment and regeneration works are not expected to meet the same level of performance as new build, the performance levels are becoming increasingly more onerous.
At the Penrhiwceiber housing project, Rio has developed robust and affordable measures to reduce demand for energy. Measures for monitoring the energy usage of occupants will provide direct feedback on the effectiveness of these measures, and influence the design of future phases. Through this work Rio are developing a detailed understanding of new legislation and how best to achieve affordable and sustainable regeneration most effectively.
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