Caddick

Duncombe Barracks

York
Sector
Residential
Location
York
Year
Ongoing
Client
City of York Council
Architect
Mikhail Riches
Structural Engineer
Civic Engineers
Quantity Surveyor
Turner & Townsend
Value
£9.7m

Caddick Construction is delivering the City of York Council’s first-ever zero carbon homes at Duncombe Barracks in York. This landmark development forms part of the council’s housing delivery programme, which aims to create 600 new homes across the city, with between 40–60% being affordable - more than double the planning guideline requirement.

The project comprises 34 Passivhaus-certified homes, including a mix of two, three and four-bedroom terraced houses and one-bedroom apartments. Each home incorporates rooftop solar panels, air-source heat pumps and high levels of insulation to achieve exceptional energy efficiency. Timber-frame construction is being used to minimise embodied carbon, while landscaped communal spaces and tree-lined streets will create a welcoming and sustainable neighbourhood. The project also includes a 600 sq ft commercial unit and has been co-designed with local residents and Stirling Prize-winning architects, Mikhail Riches.

Sustainability

Working to Passivhaus standards

As York’s first zero carbon housing development, Duncombe Barracks requires meticulous planning to meet rigorous Passivhaus standards. Caddick is working closely with the council, consultants and specialist suppliers to ensure the design meets high sustainability and performance targets. The use of offsite timber construction is helping to reduce on-site disruption and improve build quality, while coordination with the local community ensures smooth progress throughout. The project demands careful sequencing and quality assurance to achieve airtightness, efficiency and compliance across all homes.

Social Value

Supporting the local community

Duncombe Barracks continues to deliver significant community benefits during construction. Caddick is supporting local education and training through York College T-Level placements, site visits and mock interviews with local schools, helping students gain real-world experience in sustainable construction.

The team has sponsored the Raising Spirits Football Club, built planters and benches for St Luke’s Community Centre and donated materials to support local initiatives. Further engagement includes reading sessions at Clifton Green Primary School and mentoring activities through Career Ready York, strengthening relationships across the community.

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