Pikett has spent over a decade in the industry including stints at Weston Homes, Taylor Wimpey, and Countryside.

His key responsibilities at Project Etopia will include acquiring new land and winning business with local authorities.

Project Etopia uses a panelised build system to create turn-key properties that combine passive design and renewable energy generation, as well as intelligent heating and cooling systems.

Joseph Daniels, CEO of Project Etopia, said: “The appointment of James is really important for us.

“The research and development that has been going into our properties is on-going but we have arrived at the moment where we can look to expand our pipeline of new land.

“We will be relying on his extensive experience to identify the right opportunities for schemes that we hope will become destination developments for both ecologically conscious home owners as well as those who just like the energy bill savings these properties offer.

“We’re delighted to have him on board.”

Pikett said: “I was delighted that, during my time at Berkeley homes, the company took its sustainable responsibilities so seriously and Project Etopia is a natural progression for me.

“It is clear that the environment and homes that are ‘beyond zero carbon’ are going to come to define this sector.

“Helping to put a relatively young company like Etopia at the forefront of this pretty seismic shift in the industry is exactly the challenge I was looking for.”