GTC has been selected by Barratt Redrow to deliver the complete Smart Home energy and utility infrastructure for Cosmeston Farm in Penarth – the UK’s largest net zero carbon housing development, and one of the most influential residential sustainability projects in Europe.
The 576-home scheme will exceed the Future Homes Standard by deploying GTC’s fully integrated Smart Home system at scale. The Smart Home system at Cosmeston Farm combines networked ground source heat pumps, smart controls and optimisation, grid flexibility services, home battery storage and GTC-owned electricity and water networks, as one seamless service.
This whole-system approach is what enables Cosmeston to deliver low energy bills, through smart optimisation and grid-flexibility earnings. They do this all while reducing demand on the electricity grid and ensuring freedom of choice of electricity supplier.
Data-led performance and long-term validation
GTC will monitor whole-home energy use across Cosmeston Farm. It will be achieved by capturing detailed, real-world performance data from the heat pumps, solar PV, batteries, smart controls and the local electricity network. This sitewide monitoring will provide the evidence needed to demonstrate that the development is performing to the net zero carbon-in-operation target.
GTC supported Barratt Redrow from the earliest feasibility stage. Shaping the technical and commercial strategy was what secured the Welsh Government-led project. Cardiff University will independently review real-world performance, helping set a new benchmark for large-scale net zero carbon housing.
John Marsh, Chief Innovation Officer at GTC, said: “Cosmeston showcases the power of bringing together proven technologies and investment to create affordable, zero-carbon, smart homes. By combining heat pumps, smart controls, solar, batteries and flexibility into one solution, we are delivering a blueprint for future-proofed, net-zero-carbon homes, at scale.”
Oliver Novakovic, Technical & Innovation Director at Barratt Redrow, said: “Cosmeston represents a transformational step in how we design and build the next generation of zero-carbon communities. By working closely with GTC, we’ll be able to integrate advanced smart home technologies into the fabric of the development. We will ensure our customers benefit from lower energy bills, greater comfort and long-term resilience. This project shows what is possible when industry partners collaborate to deliver homes that are not only beautifully designed, but future-ready.”
Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said: “This landmark development sets a new standard for sustainable housing not only in Wales but across the UK. This isn’t just about building homes – it’s about creating thriving communities and tackling the climate emergency head-on. Our net zero policy is driving real investment and real change in how we build the homes Wales desperately needs.”
What GTC’s Smart Home system will deliver
Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps:
Low-carbon, high-efficiency heating and hot water for every home. Shared boreholes draw on stable ground temperatures, enabling consistent performance year-round. Each property will have a Kensa Shoebox heat pump which sits discreetly inside the home.
Electricity Networks:
A resilient, future-ready electricity network supporting low-carbon technologies at scale with advanced energy monitoring. Requires a lower grid capacity, thanks to the efficient ground source heat pump system.
Water Networks:
Fully integrated potable water services designed for long-term reliability and efficient delivery.
Battery Storage Solutions:
Home batteries enable greater self-consumption of renewable electricity. It has the ability to utilise time-of-use tariffs and provide grid flexibility benefits to help reduce household bills.
Energy Monitoring and Smart Control:
Making new technology easy to use by helping homeowners understand and optimise their energy use. Also by supporting low running costs, grid stability and verified net zero performance.
GTC will provide residents with dependable service, transparent billing and resilient, future-proofed infrastructure.
Homeowners also have the ultimate protection of government regulation through Ofgem.
Cosmeston Farm is expected to become a flagship site for national policy, demonstrating how next-generation energy systems can transform communities, cut carbon and support the UK’s transition to a low-cost, low-carbon housing future.
