AN ECO-FRIENDLY house has received two accolades at an annual construction awards ceremony.

The Hyde Group, which provides housing, was rewarded for its ‘retro-fit and replicate’ house in Court Farm Road, Mottingham, at the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) Awards.

They won the big green home category for having a wide range of renewable energy systems in the house which reduced CO2 emissions.

Their second accolade was the George Plucknett award which goes to the organisation which stands out from the other winners and finalists from all the categories.

Hyde's director of major developments, Simon Chatfield, said: “These awards are further recognition of our pioneering retro-fit and replicate project.

“It is especially gratifying to receive the George Plucknett award as this is only presented at the discretion of the judges if they consider a specific project stands out beyond all others”

Insulation was important for the house to keep in as much heat as possible and was achieved through wall and loft insulation as well as triple glazed windows and doors.

Solar thermal panels were put on the roof of the house to provide hot water and solar electric panels were used to provide some electricity.

A rainwater tank was installed to collect rain water and is used to flush the toilets.

Mr Chatfield added: “We have put ourselves at the forefront of environmental sustainability with this project and our work over the next few years on other projects will maintain this position for the benefit of our residents and the wider environment.”

The eco-house, originally constructed in the late 1930s as part of a large estate development, is being monitored 24 hours a day to gain an understanding of what technologies work best to cut down CO2 emissions.