Passivhaus is a German standard developed in 1988 that aims to reduce the energy consumption of our buildings. In the UK, self builders have been adopting this model to reduce bills and carbon emissions.
The main principle behind Passivhaus is to reduce heat loss in our homes. This is done by using high levels of insulation, reducing thermal bridging to a minimum and making the structures as airtight as possible.
Since the houses are highly airtight, whole house mechanical ventilation systems are installed to provide excellent air quality, with highly efficient heat recovery.
Learn more: What is Passivhaus?
With International Passivhaus Open Days almost here, we’ve rounded up a selection of residential projects you can visit. Make sure you sign up for the guided tours to see the homes up close and for the opportunity to ask all your the questions.
As part of Passivhaus Open Days, projects under construction are also welcoming visitors.
Denby Dale Passivhaus
This award-winning family home was the first UK Passivhaus built with cavity wall construction, successfully combining traditional British construction with the German standard. The team from Green Building Store wanted to create a template for minimising thermal bridging and improving energy efficiency using cavity wall construction.
Located in West Yorkshire, the homeowners were keen to be part of a solution to drastically cut carbon emissions from buildings across Britain. The result is three-bedroom house that uses 90% less space heating than the average UK home.
Where: Huddersfield
When: Friday 9th and Saturday 10th. Visits last 45 minute, and run from 11am to 3pm
How to book: Call Green Building Store on 01484 461705 and ask for Camilla or email her at camilla@greenbuildingstore.co.uk
Golcar Passivhaus
When the homeowners decided to build an eco-home on their garden, they enlisted Green Building Store to lead the project.
Following the design template from Denby Dale, this four-bedroom house was built using cavity wall construction. The three-storey, west facing structure follows a simple rectangular form.
Where: Golcar, West Yorkshire
When: Friday 9th and Saturday 10th. Visits last 45 minute, and run from 11am to 3pm
How to book: Call Green Building Store on 01484 461705 and ask for Camilla or email her at camilla@greenbuildingstore.co.uk
Steel Farm Passivhaus
Designed by architect and Passivhaus designer Mark Siddall, this award-winning home is a reinterpretation of the traditional Northumberland farmstead. Located in the North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty meant strict planning guidelines, such as the use of traditional materials including natural stone and slate.
However, planning challenges did not discourage homeowners from building to Passivhaus standards. The house was built using traditional cavity wall construction, using materials in-keeping with the local vernacular and triple glazed timber windows.
Where: Hexham, Northumberland
When: Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th
How to book: Get in touch with Mark Siddall through passivhausopendays.co.uk
Preston Springs Passivhaus
This four-bedroom home is an evolution from Mark’s previous award-winning project.
The homeowners had dreamt of building to Passivhaus standards but were worried such project would be beyond their means. However, Mark was able to keep costs down thanks to a refined design and implementing easier construction techniques.
Also built using cavity wall construction, the house achieved Passivhaus certification in 2017.
Where: North Yorkshire
When: Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th
How to book: Get in touch with Mark Siddall through passivhausopendays.co.uk
Hove Passivhaus
This six bedroom house, by Jim Miller Design, was constructed with an insulated concrete base. The pre-fabricated timber frame from Naked House arrived with plasterboard already attached.
Where: Hove
When: Saturday 10th November – guided tours at 10am and 11.30am
How to book: Email jim@jimmillerdesign.co.uk
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