New rainbow-coloured cladding along with a hi-tech system are set to save residents in a block of Manchester flats hundreds of pounds on their energy bills, southportgb.com reports.

Impressive new technology which reacts to the elements is to be installed on the outside of two blocks of flats and six bungalows in Erneley Close, Longsight, transforming them into more eco-friendly buildings.

They will be covered with an insulating exterior cladding which is finished with colour-changing crystals, depending on their exposure to light.

Banish the bills with a home that heats itself

The flats will also be fitted with ‘PassivHaus’ technology – a system developed in Germany which captures the heat emanating from appliances and recirculates it around the home. With the insulation provided by the cladding, residents can expect their heating bills to drop by up to 70 per cent.

This is the first time that both the cladding and PassivHaus system have been used in British homes. The project is due to be completed at the end of 2013.

“Like putting a tea cosy over the building…”

Commenting on the innovations, David Williams, Eastlands Homes deputy chief executive, told menmedia.co.uk:

“Reduction of residents’ heating bills is a key aim for us.”

“This PassivHaus technology is like putting a tea cosy over the building as it gives a very high level of insulation. The whole project is about ‘future-proofing’ the building and also improving its appearance.”

Author: Elizabeth Smythe    Date Written: 29 January 2013