New build passivhaus in Berkshire

Project Story

With warranted concerns about the environment on the increase, more people are looking to build more sustainable homes, not only in their energy efficiency but also in their construction. This customer wanted to design a home for his family that reflected his sustainable living ethos and build a passivhaus.

A passivhaus building is designed and constructed so that it provides a high level of occupant comfort while using very little energy for heating and cooling. They are built with meticulous attention to detail and rigorous design and construction according to principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany and can be certified through an exacting quality assurance process.

This four-bedroom house was prefabricated off-site and constructed on the site of an old water tower on the edge of the village of Chieveley in West Berkshire. With its large windows and generous living spaces, the house is a comfortable, contemporary interpretation of the locally found historic timber-framed buildings it draws inspiration from and yet uses a minimal amount of energy to function.

“When designing a home for a customer the most important thing is to listen”

Tom G