The owner of this building approached us after a long battle with the planners to convert a former agricultural steel shed to a new home for himself and his wife.

The aim was to be as close to Passivhaus standard as possible, but without the certification. After a few years of occupation the owners are very happy with the building, which stays pleasantly cool in summer and is easy to heat in winter. The south-facing roof-lights deliver most of the heating requirement. The high levels of insulation and air-tightness ensure not much of this energy is lost.