We understand that building a Passive House requires specialised knowledge and expertise. That is why our team includes Certified Passive House Designers — professionals who have undergone rigorous training to meet the high standards of Passive House design and construction. From initial concept through to the final build, our certified designers are here to help you every step of the way. They’ll work closely with you to understand your vision, optimise your design for energy efficiency, and ensure that every element of your home meets Passive House standards.
We turn your vision into reality, crafting energy-efficient homes uniquely designed to suit your needs and lifestyle. Our approach blends innovative technology with creative design solutions, ensuring a seamless balance of form and function for the perfect home.
Energy efficiency is crucial to Passive House. We use advanced modelling software to simulate the performance of the building, optimising insulation, thermal bridging, airtightness, and ventilation for maximum energy savings and comfort in all weather conditions.
Starting a PassiveHouse project requires expert planning and consultation. Our certified designers guide you through every step, from initial consultation and feasibility studies to detailed planning and documentation, ensuring adherence to Passive House standards and local regulations.
Our commitment extends beyond design. We provide comprehensive project management to oversee your Passive House construction, selecting the right contractors and ensuring strict adherence to standards for a flawless result.
Passive House, or Passivhaus, is a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, reducing its ecological footprint. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling. This standard is not just about energy savings; it’s about creating buildings that provide excellent comfort, air quality, and durability.
No, Passive House is optional. It offers three levels: Standard, Plus, and Premium, each with specific targets for energy demand, space heating, and air tightness. However, Scotland now requires all new schools to meet Passive House standards, and from 2024, the same applies to all new homes. This reflects the high respect for its rigorous approach. Local authorities, including Bath & North East Somerset, Cornwall, and Bristol City Council, have introduced or are planning to introduce local planning rules that align new buildings’ energy performance with Passive House standards. Using PHPP software is recommended for planning approval, and it’s advisable to involve a certified Passive House Designer early in the design phase. Passive House is suitable for all climates and can be applied to both homes and commercial buildings worldwide.
No, Passive House is not the same as Net Zero Carbon. Passivhaus does not specifically address the two key metrics of Net Zero Carbon—embodied energy and energy in use. However, Passive House buildings are highly energy-efficient compared to conventional ones. When paired with on-site renewable energy, a Passive House could achieve Net Zero In Use or even produce excess energy. Definitions of Net Zero Carbon are not standardised across the industry, and they often exclude unregulated energy (energy used by appliances), so these definitions may not fully reflect actual performance.
A Passive House Designer (or Consultant) is required to lead the application of the Passive House standard on a project and use the PHPP software for compliance. This role can be filled by a qualified team member or an independent expert. Certification is provided by the Passive House Institute, usually after completing intensive training that covers building physics, Passive House principles, and PHPP use. The software licence is tied to the individual, not their company, to maintain quality and prevent misuse.
A Passive House Certifier is an experienced professional who has undergone additional training and has a deep understanding of the standard. Every project needs an independent certifier who reviews the work of the Passive House Designer and validates the project's compliance, ultimately signing off on the final certification. In the UK, about six firms currently offer Passive House certification services.
The Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) is a tool used to ensure that a building design meets Passive House standards. It incorporates data on factors like location, climate, u-values, and areas to accurately predict energy use, helping to reduce the gap between design and actual performance. PHPP licences are tied to the individual who passes the exam, not the company they work for.
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is a ventilation system that maintains indoor air quality and thermal comfort by bringing in fresh air and extracting stale air, while recovering heat from the outgoing air. It runs on electricity and should be very quiet to avoid causing disturbances. MVHR systems need space for the unit and ducting but can be easily integrated if planned from the start. To meet Passive House standards, the system must be highly efficient and capable of adjusting to different occupancy levels and bypassing heat recovery in summer.
We combine modern architecture with sustainability to deliver innovative and long-lasting designs.
