At Pearcroft, we’re more than just a property development company—we’re on a mission to transform the way homeowners live by building carbon-neutral housing that not just looks good, but gives back to the planet. As the UK’s leading developer of net-zero homes, Pearcroft stands as a testament to the power of combining cutting-edge technology with a relentless commitment to sustainability. But we’re not just talking the talk—we’re walking the walk, and we’re setting a new benchmark for what’s possible in the world of property development.
A New Standard in Energy-Efficient Living
The homes we build at Pearcroft aren’t just about luxurious design and modern comforts; they are eco-conscious havens that actively contribute to a greener planet. Our homes are equipped with the latest in sustainable technologies and materials, ensuring that they not only reduce environmental impact but also each is fitted with MVHR systems too, ensuring fresh, pollutant-free air fills the home, providing a better quality of life for their owners.
We’ve made a bold promise to our homeowners: a 5-year energy bill guarantee. This unique promise ensures that all Pearcroft homes will generate more energy than the homeowner uses, giving them peace of mind and reducing their living costs. With EPC ratings of A+ and average carbon emissions of -0.5 tonnes, our properties exceed industry standards and demonstrate what’s truly achievable in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability. But we’re not stopping there—our vision is set on even greater achievements.
The Pearcroft Difference: Sustainability at the Core
How do we achieve this? It’s all in the details. The homes that Pearcroft build integrate advanced sustainable technologies with high-quality construction materials to create energy-efficient, comfortable living spaces. Here’s a look at how we do it:
- Architectural Design: Our homes are designed to complement their surroundings, embracing modern living while respecting the area’s architectural and environmental context.
- Sensitive Landscaping: We carefully consider the natural environment and local community when designing our developments, ensuring that our landscaping supports biodiversity and enhances the overall aesthetic of the area.
- Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels with Battery Storage: Harnessing the power of the sun, our homes feature solar panels that generate electricity for lighting, appliances, and vehicle charging. Paired with battery storage, these systems ensure that energy is efficiently captured, used and shared back with the grid.
- Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps: These replace traditional fossil-fuel heating systems, providing low-carbon heating and hot water in the most energy-efficient way possible.
- Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR): Our homes are equipped with MVHR systems that ensure fresh, pollutant-free air and maintain optimal temperatures year-round.
- High-Performance Insulation: Excellent insulation in the floors, walls, and roofs enhances thermal efficiency, ensuring the home stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer with minimal energy use.
- AAA Rated Triple-Glazed Windows: Our windows are designed to keep out the cold, reduce noise, and improve energy efficiency, contributing to a more peaceful and comfortable home environment.
- Smart Controls: We offer intuitive, smart home systems that allow owners to control their home’s heating, lighting, and energy use, offering ultimate convenience and personalisation.
- Water saving features: Every shower and tap delivers instant hot water, saving cold run off.
Meet the Visionaries Behind Pearcroft: Martyn Balm and Kevin Harris
The driving force behind Pearcroft is the partnership of two industry trailblazers: Martyn Balm and Kevin Harris. With a wealth of experience in property development, both men share a commitment to creating homes that don’t just meet the needs of today’s homeowners but also leave a positive legacy for the future.
Martyn Balm: The Seasoned Strategist
You wouldn’t say Martyn’s journey into property development is typical, but throughout his career, he’s gathered a wealth of knowledge and a nose for quality investment. From his early days as the top advertising salesperson at the Gloucester Citizen to becoming an award-winning insurance broker, Martyn has always had a knack for spotting opportunities and seizing them with both hands.
From Martyn’s days at art college, he’s always been creative, practical and long held a dream to build his own house. After 20 years of running his own insurance business, he sold up, brought his dream to life and caught the property developing bug.
After a few years honing his skills, Martyn became a land acquisition specialist. His ability to identify prime development opportunities and navigate complex negotiations meant demand for his help rocketed. He’s worked with some of the most prestigious names in the industry, including Hamptons International and other household names. He even featured in The Sunday Times for his innovative property development back in the 2008 recession.
For Martyn, it’s always been about doing good business with good people. He’s the first one to admit that as he’s getting on in years, he’s keener than ever to leave a positive legacy. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible is founded on leaving the world better for everyone. And this is at the very heart of Pearcroft’s ethos.
Kevin describes Martyn succinctly as a ‘man of the world with a heart of gold.’ He enjoys a laugh and sharing his expertise, whether it’s through his fantastic stories or supportive approach. He even has a private pilot’s license!
Kevin Harris: The Dynamic Dealmaker
With a background that’s as diverse as it is impressive, Kevin brings a unique blend of financial acumen and property expertise to the table. Kevin left university to become a partner in a clothing business, heading up management and sales, but after a few years, decided property was his destiny.
He joined a leading London estate agent, where he rapidly climbed the ranks from trainee to Area Director in just six years. Managing several offices across Central London, he developed a keen understanding of the luxury property market and the art of high-value sales.
In 2017, he struck out on his own and began brokering deals worth hundreds of millions of pounds, working with clients, including Qatari princes and Russian oligarchs. His ability to secure funding and facilitate complex transactions has helped to bring some of the most ambitious development projects to life.
Kevin marks his success to being a ‘lucky get’ but that witty modesty hints at the real secret – his people skills. He’s comfortable talking to everyone from princes to plumbers, thanks to his unpretentious and affable approach. His drive and good nature are infectious.
Martyn says Kevin’s ‘entrepreneurial spirit shines through in everything he does.’ From leaving university in his early twenties, he’s consistently showed an ability to build and grow successful enterprises.
Partnership Foundations
Martyn and Kevin’s paths crossed in 2021 while they were on opposing sides of a land deal in Devon and hit it off straight away. Sharing a frustration about being the middlemen and with a vision for what sustainable property development could be, they joined forces to create something truly special.
Despite the 25-year age gap and different backgrounds, Martyn and Kevin share a pragmatic and dogged spirit of getting things done. The result is Pearcroft, luxury homes with an unrelenting innovative focus on sustainability – benefiting people and the planet.
Homes that combine high-quality materials with state-of-the-art sustainable technology, without leaving a stain on our conscience or a scar on the planet. Owners can enjoy all modern life’s little pleasures, we leave a legacy for generations, and investors benefit from ethical and strong returns.
With features in The Sunday Times and Oxfordshire Living Magazine, and a sponsorship deal with Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Pearcroft is quickly making a name for themselves in the world of high-end, carbon neutral property.
Martyn and Kevin bring a perfect balance of experience and innovation, pragmatism and ambition, determination and vision. As they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, one thing is clear – Pearcroft is in very capable hands.
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