#hackbridge

Hackbridge is a modest pocket of suburbia in southwest London. Pulling into the railway station on a brisk morning, I survey the industrial surroundings and don’t feel an immediate urge to explore. It’s safe to say, I had imagined a leafier greeting upon visiting the UK’s first eco village.

It might not be prettiest London borough, but after a short walk of about ten minutes, I finally get a glimpse of the eco-haven I am expecting. BedZED (Beddington Zero Energy Development) lies just off the main road, surrounded by green, and is comprised of a unique community of zero-carbon-emitting dwellers.

Upon arrival, my eye is first drawn to what look like multi-coloured chimneys on top of the array of glass buildings - these in fact are wind cowls. The cowls act as wind-driven natural ventilation systems, which heat up the homes sustainably. Each home has its own set of solar panels just visible and a small patch of garden, full of flowerbeds and bikes leaning against the fence. Glass walls flood the interiors with natural light, and although this doesn’t provide much privacy, the community is sectioned off from the road so you’re unlikely to have passers-by peeking in.