An established Oxford-based property company has added eco homes to its portfolio of more than 300 rental properties in Oxford.

The property division of W Lucy & Co, has built a small development of eco-friendly apartments and a family home adjacent to the site of the old Eagle Works in Jericho.

“We know our tenants want to embrace the trend towards sustainable building and living, particularly with energy costs continuing to rise, so the idea to build a development to strict eco standards seemed the obvious choice,”’ said Ian Ashcroft, property director at Lucy Properties.

The project is the culmination of three years of planning and involved the collaboration of many local companies in the design and construction.

Oxford-based based Riach Architects was commissioned to design the scheme, Cooper Construction was awarded the build contract, and Jill Treloggen Interiors provided the finishing touches.

Mr Ashcroft added: “Being eco friendly meant looking at every aspect of how we delivered the project.”

The eco-build standards were exacting and every element had to pass strict guidelines, from the origin of materials to the installing of facilities for recycling and living a ‘greener’ lifestyle.

Building manager, Mark Hilton said: “We used natural slate on the roof, cedar cladding and lime mortar and brick so the exterior of the building would be in keeping with the leafy surroundings “In addition, solar panels provide heating for the hot water and the high-performance double glazing is designed to draw as much heat from the winter sun as possible, while the A-rated energy-efficient boiler provide a combination of underfloor and radiator heating.

“The development has been awarded a Sustainable Housing Rating of Code 3, which is an excellent achievement.”

But the eco-friendly approach is not confined to the construction. Working together with Witney-based interior design company Jill Treloggen Interiors, Lucy has also focused on the furnishings.

Director Jill Treloggen said: “We had to balance the right design and finish required for city centre apartments, with an eco-friendly approach.

”We souced all the upholstery from local suppliers to keep the deliver miles to a minimum, the team even used some recycled products. The clocks are made from recycled vending machine cups!”

The development offers three one-bedroomed and three two-bedroomed fully-furnished apartments available to rent from £1,400 pcm. A five-bedroomed house will be available soon.

Mr Ashcroft added: “We have been delighted at the response for these properties as most are already let. We have kept one of the one-bedroomed properties for short or holiday lets from £500 per week.”

For more details, call 01865 518150.