Council chiefs are inviting the public to take a behind the scenes tour of under-construction zero-carbon homes – where 60 per cent will be ‘affordable’ homes.

A free Passivhaus open day will take place at Duncombe Square in Clifton on Friday, November 10 this year, with one morning and one afternoon session including a presentation and site tour.

Passivhaus is a construction standard with a goal of creating energy-efficient buildings with a low carbon footprint. It uses features like deliberate building orientation and selective shading designed to reduce the need for heating and cooling rooms.

York Press: Work at Dunscombe Square in Clifton is underwayWork at Dunscombe Square in Clifton is underway (Image: City of York Council)

Councillor Kate Ravilious, executive member for environment and climate emergency at City of York Council, said: “For 20 years, Passivhaus buildings have been helping cut carbon emissions across the world.

“Those who have built them have welcomed people interested in learning more about these zero-carbon homes.

“This site visit will show the materials, construction methods, ventilation and heating systems used to create these much-needed homes.

“Self-builders and interested residents are all welcome to this opportunity.”

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More than 40 construction professionals have already visited the site.

Located in Burton Stone Lane, Clifton, the 34 homes have been designed by award-winning architects Mikhail Riches, with help from locals.

The site – plus another in Burnholme Green in Heworth - are part of the council’s Housing Delivery Programme, which the council says is creating 600 affordable and sustainable homes in the city.

York Press: The open day will involve a tour and presentationThe open day will involve a tour and presentation (Image: City of York Council)

The two plots contain the programme’s first Passivhaus homes. The council predicts the design of the homes will bring a 70 per cent reduction in energy use and bills.

While 60 per cent of the homes will be affordable housing, the remainder will go on sale on the open market via the Shape Homes York brand.

Cllr Michael Pavlovic, executive member for housing at the council, said: “These homes tackle housing shortages and fuel poverty in York.

“The majority will be affordable – for social rent and for shared ownership – and being Passivhaus, these houses and apartments will be high quality and low cost to run.”

Chayley Collis, from the Passivhaus Trust, said: "The visits to Duncombe Square will be a great way to share the project team's technical knowledge of building to the Passivhaus standard and show other councils, building professionals, and social housing providers what is possible for largescale housing developments."

The event will happen on November 10 and will include a presentation as well as a site tour.

The morning event will happen at 10.30am-12.15pm and an afternoon one at 13.30-15.15pm.

Spaces are free but limited and the council has said interested parties can sign up here.