Passive Houses
Building Better for People and the Planet
What is Passive Housing?
Buildings are one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions, responsible for 35% of global energy use. With over 30 years of international evidence behind it, the Passivhaus standard offers a proven path toward creating new and upgraded buildings that are net-zero-ready, energy efficient, and designed with occupant comfort and wellbeing in mind.
Passivhaus buildings maintain excellent indoor comfort using minimal energy for heating and cooling. The approach is holistic, with clear performance targets and a rigorous certification process to ensure quality throughout construction.
For retrofit projects, where original building design or heritage constraints make the full Passivhaus standard impractical, the EnerPHit standard provides a more flexible yet still robust alternative.
Learn more about why an efficiency-first approach is essential for meeting carbon reduction goals by visiting the Passivhaus Trust, the UK’s leading authority on Passivhaus standards.
Meeting the Passivhaus Standard
Meeting the Passivhaus Standard in the UK generally requires:
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Precise design modelling using the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP)
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Exceptional levels of insulation throughout
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Ultra-efficient windows with insulated frames
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An airtight building envelope to minimise heat loss
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Construction that eliminates thermal bridging
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Mechanical ventilation with highly efficient heat recovery
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).
