Business Forum • 13 June, 2024 at 1:13 PM
Speedwell, a real estate developer with a visionary outlook for the Romanian market and a firm commitment to excellence, harmoniously integrates residential, commercial and office spaces, focusing on a sustainable approach oriented towards the needs of residents and the community. Speedwell's developments pay particular attention to quality of life, both in terms of comfort and sustainable living. In addition, the concern for the environment and people is reflected in the developments, but also in the personal finances of the residents, which is demonstrated by the significant differences between typical homes and nZEB-certified homes.
In accordance with Green Homes standards, Glenwood Estate is an example of excellence in sustainability. Certified nZEB+ (Nearly Zero-Energy Building), the project redefines standards in modern urban living, offering residents a sustainable lifestyle nestled along the lakeshore, that provides a high level of comfort and easy access to all points of interest: parks, schools, shopping centers, and medical services within a 15-minute walk. Facilities such as sports areas and restaurants will also be integrated in later stages of the project. Built on 14 hectares, Glenwood Estate is a safe, gated residential neighborhood that focuses on both the safety and privacy of its residents.In addition, the implementation of sustainable technologies such as photovoltaic panels and heat pumps, as well as energy-efficient materials and systems, significantly reduce energy consumption for heating, cooling, hot water and lighting, generating significantly lower maintenance costs for residents.
For Glenwood Estate, according to the estimates made by the specialists who audited the development, the electricity consumption for heating, air conditioning, hot water, and lighting needs, estimated over a year is only 4,710 KWH/year, representing even half of the average consumption per year estimated for a 2-bedroom apartment. For a typical, similar house, electricity consumption averages 34,700 KWH/year for heating energy, with an additional 25,000 KWH/year for heating, as determined by expert calculations.
The implementation of these standards also anticipates future regulatory requirements, reflecting a commitment to the environment and responsible urban development. Also, in accordance with current standards that measure the energy efficiency of homes, Glenwood Estate has been certified with an A+ energy rating. This means that the energy needed to provide indoor comfort comes from renewable sources, which generates considerable savings of up to €60,000 over a 30-year period.
"Energy efficient, nZEB and nZEB+ certified houses offer many benefits for the residents living in our projects. They not only reduce energy costs but also help protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Meadows and Glenwood Estate are equipped with state-of-the-art solutions such as solar panels, heat pumps, and LED lighting that reduce energy consumption. Investing in energy efficiency is not only a sustainable choice, but also an economical one with long-term benefits.", said Jan Demeyere, architect and co-founder of Speedwell.
Translated into family finances, a nZEB+ certified house in the Glenwood Estate project generates annual energy costs of around €750, whereas for a typical house, this cost comes to around €2,100/year.
All Speedwell projects go beyond functionality and provide residents with a sense of belonging, becoming catalysts for urban development in a rapidly changing world where housing is evolving to meet the demands of sustainability and comfort. The company has become an advocate in implementing the principles of TOD (Transit Oriented Development) and the 15-Minute City, which provides residents with quick access to major points of interest and places Speedwell at the forefront of sustainable urban development. These principles are clearly reflected in its premium projects like The Meadows, which is in the development phase, as well as the CityZen project, which is still in the concept stage.
Set in a picturesque location right on the shores of Lake Grivita and inspired by the concept of "hidden beauty" that encourages discovery and appreciation of detail, The Meadows perfectly combines tranquility and convenience with excellent connections to the city's attractions. Developed around the TOD concept, the exclusive complex is located just a 10-minute walk from Laminor metro station. Its proximity to public transport facilitates quick access to the city center, minimizing dependence on private car.
"Our projects are not just buildings, but ecosystems that support a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Designing a mixed-use space close to the centre of the capital was a challenge, which we accepted with enthusiasm. We collaborated with the best architects in the industry, both locally and internationally, to give Griro's industrial hub the future it deserves. I am convinced that CityZen will be one of the most promising urban regeneration projects in Bucharest. When you take care of your city, it pays off in the long run. This is also the reason why we have designed the most modern facilities and technologies in all our projects.", said Jan Demeyere.
Cityzen, represents 110,000 square metres of urban regeneration that will be given back to the community. The project will deliver residential, office, commercial, green recreational, and sports buildings for people of all ages in a vast open development accessible to all citizens. Becoming a new suburb in the center of Bucharest, Cityzen is an innovative urban regeneration project, incorporating the principles of TOD and the 15-minute city, and the first BREEAM-certified project of its kind. The development transforms urban space into a friendly and accessible environment and creates a vibrant and sustainable urban ecosystem, designed as a model of urban integration, where residents have all the necessary amenities within walking distance.
This year, Speedwell celebrates ten years on the Romanian market, as one of the most active real estate developers, with a prominent presence both in Bucharest and in other regional cities such as Cluj, Timișoara, Râmnicu Vâlcea and Brașov. The company's portfolio includes approximately 150,000 sqm of office and retail space, over 6,000 apartments and 23,000 sqm of industrial space, with a total project value estimated at approximately €1.5 billion.
For the next period, Speedwell is preparing the development of the CityZen project, currently in the permitting phase, and is advancing construction work on Glenwood Estate, a new premium villa residential ensemble in Corbeanca, and The Meadows, an exclusive project located on the shore of Grivița Lake.
Also in Bucharest, the company has completed the first two phases of the Triama Residence, the first three buildings, part of Phase 1 of The Ivy residential complex and MIRO, the Class A office building.