Speedwell, a real estate developer active in the Romanian market, integrates residential, commercial, and office spaces with a focus on sustainability and addressing 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.
By 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 centres, and medical services within a 15-minute walk. Facilities such as sports areas and restaurants will also be integrated in the later stages of the project.
Built on 14 hectares, GLENWOOD ESTATE is a safe, gated residential neighbourhood 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, by 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 30 years.
“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 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.
“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.
