This dwelling for one family was the first “Passivhaus” planned by Alchemilla Architects. The house will have only one tenth of the heating and primary energy costs of a house built to current building regulations standards whilst maintaining high comfort standards.

The client, a self-builder, waneds to use insulated concrete formwork which is easy to construct and highly suitable for “Passivhaus” construction. The design was kept traditional with a modern twist, however, the local authority insisted on a number of changes resulting in a much more conventional appearance. This will not affect the performance of the building though, which can be calculated and predicted to a very high degree before construction commences.