Feedback
(Practicalities of achieving zero carbon development)
"It is very useful to be able to talk about sustainability issues / techniques and then actually see (some of) them demonstrated in action. Much more effective than traditional classroom environment. I think the relative informality of the day is entirely appropriate and wasn't aware of the programme slipping to any great degree... or not getting a chance to see and discuss any particular aspect.... I think your enthusiasm for the project ensures that the discussions are thorough and well informed." (Simon Hallion, Architect and guest lecturer
"The day at HHP was very enjoyable and I think we all felt very welcomed and relaxed there. The most apparent thing to me was the collective wealth of knowledge and information you all have about sustainable living and the building processes involved. The practicalities of not only building an eco-home but continuing to live this lifestyle was discussed very openly and honestly, which I found very refreshing as you were not afraid to say when something didn't work for you even if it was supposed to be economically or environmentally sound." (Helen Carter,
"I know that my colleague and I found the visit enormously useful and it has really helped me reach some solid conclusions on the most appropriate response to the challenge of constructing truly sustainable homes. I have already been preaching the virtues of your approach to our elected Members and partner housing associations and expect you will get a few more visitors as a result." (Alan Wylde, Housing Enabling Manager, Swindon Borough Council, Jan 08)
(Selected from other HHP Master Classes)
Thank you for a very interesting and educational day yesterday. As with all these things, you can read about them, but there is nothing like seeing and feeling it all working, I believe it facilitate a far greater understanding. I found the whole day informative and thoroughly enjoyable. (Louise Cooper, LMC-Architect, April 08)
"I found it all very useful and the day was managed with pride, confidence and professionalism - I think its great what you guys have done I would like to visit again. Really really impressed." (Senior Environmental Scientist, Wardell Armstrong LLP, Nov 07)
"My main reason for visiting was that it's easy for us industrialists and academics to sit behind our desks pontificating on low-energy housing,but to visit the people who have actually DONE it is invariably refreshing,and is always a good thing to do as a 'professional sanity check'". (Dr Neil Cutland, Executive Director, Inbuilt Ltd, Nov 07)
You made an excellent presentation and the level of technical knowledge was very high even when compared to similar project presentations that I have visited in the UK. I would thoroughly recommend the Masterclass to anyone wishing to know more about this field. (Jon Morris, Principal, One Engineer, June 07)
I really enjoyed the day. A rich experience in all sorts of senses with so much to learn from both you and the other delegates – a real bonus. The day was well balanced to cater for the needs of a varied group of people (academics to tradesmen). It was also a good opportunity to meet people in the sector and therefore a useful networking event! The value for money was great -I have already recommended others to attend. (Phil Newby, Green Ventures, Jan 07)
The ability to see, hear & feel the products/engineering in action in a practical environment rather than just reading company brochures, watching promotional footage or demonstrations. It was very nice to talk to "real" people that live with the technology and have experienced benefits and pit-falls associated with it. (Mark Cox, Building Surveyor, National Trust, Jan 07)
I think the main advantage of the day was being able to see the various technologies (that we've all been talking about for yonks!) actually functioning alongside each other, integrated into a real living community environment. You read about it, you hear about it but seeing it is altogether different. Terrific! (Graham Mills, East Midlands Renewable Energies Group, Jan 07)
I thoroughly enjoyed the day and it was very encouraging talking to people who had practical experience rather than just a grasp of the theory. Simon's presentation on the principles was as clear as any I've seen, if not clearer and I particularly enjoyed his graphs showing the threshold between heating costs and insulation levels representing the point that thermal mass became important. ….. the detailed discussion about construction and procurement challenges from Nick gave a practical edge to the day that you rarely get at other events. (Rob Annable, Architect, Axis Design Collective, Birmingham, Nov 06)
"In brief your project at Hockerton is outstanding, the people amazing and the course was for me was thought provoking, eye opening and very inspirational." (Martin Johnson, Brewster Bye Architects Ltd, Nov 06)
"I thought the day was a success and gave real insight into how we can all look to live in a more sustainable way. With such a cross section of people to cater for I thought the day struck the right balance between general principles and the more technical aspects. The classroom sessions and walk rounds gave everyone the opportunity to ask the questions they wanted and at no stage did any one topic dominate. It is always reassuring to hear some of what you already know but even better to learn about what you didn't. For me the day was a satisfying mixture of both. It goes without saying the day was great value for money and being a local it was a long overdue visit to see your ground breaking work." (Mike Pollard, July 2006)
"I had a great day at Hockerton and have brought away many valuable ideas about how Willmott Dixon Housing can deliver more sustainable developments." (Gareth Rondell, Sustainability Manager, Willmott Dixon Housing Ltd, Sept 2005)
"The best seminar/workshop I've attended this year" (Martyn Gamble, Energy Efficient Design Consultancy, May 2005)
"I found the day interesting and useful. I am most impressed with the integration of building, renewable energy, community and growing that you have achieved - and your dissemination effort. It was good to compare notes with others with similar interests. The cooks should be congratulated. I thought the day was good value." (Jon Broome Architects, Sustainable Construction Consultants, May 2005).