Abstract

The article presents pro-ecological residential development of ZEDfactory executed on the suburbs of London. "BedZED is located among boring development of London suburbs in post-industrial areas. When I ask a pedestrian how to get there, he smiles — you are bound to miss it'. He is right, 'the last thing we want is all the eco-buildings to be the same'—writes Keith Hall, Green Building editor. BedZED is a proof that eco-architecture is not going to be boring. An interesting shape of oval roofs, intimate streets with bridges, intriguing steps leading to the roof houses create a friendly atmosphere. Each, even the smallest flat has its own character and a small garden — here greenery becomes an ornament. One can argue that the urban planning of the residential area is very simple. However, this is the strategic sense of this venture — its proves that eco-architecture can be ordinary or regular and at the same time 'luxurious' and — what's important — it can be densely developed, which is a significant requirement contemporary urban planners need to face. Naturally, more and more eco-architecture appears in the world. The uniqueness of Dunster's project lies in the fact that his project proves eco-construction doesn't have to be an exception, but an economically viable standard, provided we put some effort into it. Hence the special influence of this project on opinions of not only investors and politicians, but also norm-setting experts."