This new build house is one of the few houses in London to achieve advanced levels of energy efficiency standards (PassivHaus or towards PassivHaus).  PassivHaus is based on well researched and proven building physics and is a performance-based set of design criteria for very low energy buildings, which can help create buildings which use around 90% less energy than standard UK buildings.

PassivHaus design seeks to eliminate the need for space heating and cooling.  The design is based on the principle that reducing heating loss to a minimum is the most cost-effective and most robust way of achieving a low carbon building.  Instead of complicated design and expensive bolt-on renewables, PassivHaus design relies on a simple ‘tea cosy’ effect maximising the use of super insulation, stringent airtightness and meticulous attention to the removal of thermal bridges.  By combining this with passive solar gain, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems, PassivHaus design can create exceptionally healthy and comfortable buildings that require minimal heating.

The house is designed to complement the character of the existing buildings in the street albeit utilising high-performance materials and a sustainable approach. The house incorporates many elements and characteristics from the adjoining townscape.  Render is used extensively within the area and whilst it increases the contemporary aesthetic of this building it is traditional and complementary to other houses in the locality.  The render is contrasted with the use of brick and timber, again a feature of other properties locally.