About
Building Better: A Team Driven by the Passivhaus Standard
Our Story
We’ve specialised in energy-efficient building since 1996, with a focus on continually improving our techniques and detailing. In 2007, we began using Passivhaus zero thermal bridge detailing where possible, and by 2010, we had taken on our first project designed with the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP), aiming for 30 kWh/m²/year.
In 2011, we started the first certified new-build Passivhaus in Herefordshire. Since then, almost all of our projects have been built to Passivhaus standard. We see energy-efficient construction not as a fixed goal but as an ongoing journey of refinement and innovation.
By the end of 2024, we will have completed 26 Passivhaus-certifiable new builds and three near-Passivhaus new builds. Most have been taken to full completion, with some delivered to ‘lock-up’ stage—airtight and shell-complete for clients to finish—and one as a specialist subcontractor. Since then 7 more Passive houses have been completed, 2 stone Barns have been renovated to Enerphit standars and two small extensions have been build using low energy principles to improve home performance and improve living quality for their owners. Closing 2025 having completed an extensive retrofit to enerphit standards was one of the hightlights of our year as it was a challenge and a rewarding result for our team. Bringing the life back to old buildings to make them stand for many more years in a much more efficient and sustainanle way, fill us with Joy and allows people to keep the memories from their long gone families to continue to thrive in their chidlhood homes whils enjoying them in comfort.
On October 2025 Mike Whitfield Construction became an Employee owned Company! Mike Whitfield felt it was time to move on and passed on his legacy to its 9 employees whose he trust to continue to deliver the good work, with the same standards and principles.
Working With Us
Most of our projects are delivered through collaborative contracts, meaning we’re involved from the early design stages with clients, architects, and consultants. This allows us to use our extensive cost database from previous projects to offer realistic and tight pricing, avoiding inflated costs and supporting the spread of Passivhaus principles.
We also undertake competitive tenders, although this method can sometimes create unnecessary work and lead to higher costs. We are equally happy to step in post-planning and handle PH detailing and Building Regulations applications.
We’re open to working with any architect, though for Passivhaus projects we advise appointing a certified Passivhaus consultant early on if your architect lacks experience in this field.
Mike Whitfield | Director with 35+ years’ experience in sustainable and Passivhaus construction.
Meet Mike Whitfield, founder and trustee of our Employee owned company.
Mike is a highly experienced carpenter and contracts manager with over 35 years in the trade. His journey into energy-efficient building began in 1989 with his first “eco-build” project and deepened in 1996 while working on a lecture hall for the Greenwood Trust in Shropshire. He had first encountered airtightness and high insulation standards in 1980 while working in Canada.
“Since 1996, I’ve been developing my own construction methods to support these goals—alternating stud frames, minimising cold bridging with I-beams, and airtight window installations. Energy-efficient building has always been an evolving process for me. Adopting the Passivhaus standard was a natural next step.”
Mike has completed the 2-day PHPP course and has spoken at various conferences including the AECB Conference, the UK Passivhaus Conference, and Ecobuild, on the topic of energy-efficient building and Passivhaus construction.
Our Team
A Solid Team, Inside and Out
Mike Whitfield Construction now belongs to its employees. We are a proud team of employees, all trained in house in Passivhaus building techniques. Unlike many construction companies that rely on subcontracted or zero-hours labour, we believe direct employment ensures continuity, reliability, and a shared sense of commitment. Now with the incentive to keep delivering good quality homes.
We are supported by a loyal group of specialised subcontractors – including groundworkers, electricians, plumbers, plasterers, tilers, and decorators – who have worked with us for many years and are fully familiar with our energy-efficient methods. Being co owners of the company gives us the satisfaction to focus on growing the company, and to mantain the standards that lead to it to become a trusted place that offers to their clients what they are looking for in thier projects.
Craftsmanship
Every member of our team is trained in Passivhaus methods and brings years of carpentry and construction experience.
Specialist Knowledge
We work closely with trusted subcontractors, architects, energy efficiency and Passive house accredited consultants who provide us with the technical expertise to help us to deliver the best possible results and performance.
Long-Term Collaboration
Our directly employed core team brings consistency and reliability to every project.
Awards & Recognition
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2007 RIBA Sustainability Award: As main contractors for the Duchy of Cornwall, we converted two barns into offices for sustainable architects Architype.
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2018 UK Passivhaus Trust Award – Small Projects: We constructed the airtight shell of Old Holloway Cottage for self-builder Juraj Mikurcik.
Professional Memberships
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UK Passivhaus Trust
An independent non-profit organisation promoting the adoption of the Passivhaus standard in the UK, reducing energy use and carbon emissions while increasing comfort and health.
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Carpenters Fellowship
A network of skilled timber framers, architects, and designers working toward the highest standards in timber framing.
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AECB – Association for Environment Conscious Building
A collaborative network promoting sustainable construction across the industry, from builders to local authorities – focused on practical, independent, and environmentally sound practices.
Our Environmental Policy
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Ensure all employees and subcontractors support our environmental aims.
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Work within a 40-mile radius of our base at Garway Hill, Herefordshire.
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Use locally sourced and home-grown timber where possible; support eco-conscious local suppliers.
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Reuse and recycle materials when practical.
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Avoid uncertified tropical timber and raise awareness of certified alternatives.
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Build to high insulation and airtightness standards, with airtightness testing when possible.
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Encourage clients to adopt renewable energy and water conservation systems.
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Minimise landfill by sorting waste into recyclable or reusable categories (metal, plastic, timber, cardboard, rubble).
