GILLCREST Homes is about to start building 10 one and two-bedroom apartments at Orchard Close,in the heart of Maidstone. But these are no ordinary apartments - they are being built in three weeks!

Martin Wood, development director for Gillcrest Homes, said: "This is an exciting new construction concept and one where we wanted the very best in terms of architectural design.

"We decided to use architects Cheney Thorpe & Morrison who have helped create a fantastic contemporary design and have had invaluable input into the choice of construction method for this project. We wanted to use sustainable materials that were environmentally friendly and energy efficient, which is why we opted for a timber frame construction."

Cheney Thorpe & Morrison specialises in sustainable architecture and has designed a number of schools and health centres, which are eco-friendly.

Guy Hollaway, partner with Cheney Thorpe & Morrison, said: "Gillcrest Homes is a forward-thinking developer that is open to new ideas and keen to move the whole house building concept forward in terms of sustainable cutting-edge properties which are available to all purchasers whatever their price range. Orchard Close is an excellent project and one of which we are proud to be a part of."

The reason these homes can be built so quickly is because they are timber framed and each individual section of the structure is fabricated off site.

Other features at this development include high insulation values which mean each flat requires less energy to heat which results in lower heating bills.

There are also open-plan living spaces for a greater sense of space and many apartments have a private balcony. One of the other exciting features is the collection of rainwater from the roof terraces.

Funnelled into holding vessels underground, the water is used for under-floor heating and cooling. This enables each homeowner to have convenient and affordable control over the temperature.

In the winter it works like a conventional under-floor heating system, in the summer it will naturally cool the inside of the apartments. Rather than control the air temperature, it cools the actual floor making for a far better system of temperature control.

This landmark development will boast a large communal roof terrace affording far-reaching views. There will also be allocated car-parking facilities accessed via electric gates. The site is also well located and is within walking distance of Maidstone’s town centre and is anticipated to be extremely popular with potential buyers.

To register your interest contact Gillcrest Homes’ head office on 0845 130 0070, www.gillcresthomes.com