Passivhaus
Passivhaus Informed Architecture
Homes that are kind to the environment are good for everyone. At Absolute Architecture sustainable design has always underpinned all our new build and home improvement projects. We work with eco consultants and green specialist suppliers to obtain the analytical data that will inform the design of your home. Our dedication to this practice is evident through our Passivhaus accreditation as well as our founder, Kate Cooper, proudly serving as a sustainability judge for the RIBA Design Awards.
Our Passivhaus accreditation puts sustainability at the heart of everything we do. We believe environmentally conscious design serves as a catalyst for innovation, pushing the boundaries of architecture and construction practices to create spaces that play a vital role in shaping a responsible, energy-efficient future and promoting healthier living environments.
What is Passivhaus?
Holding responsibility for 35% of total global energy consumption, buildings are a significant culprit of carbon emissions. Passivhaus is a building standard developed over 30 years on international evidence. A tried and tested solution, the standard provides a range of proven approaches to deliver net-zero-ready new and existing buildings optimised for a decarbonised grid and augmented for occupant health and wellbeing.
When a home has been fully designed and constructed following this standard evidence is submitted to the Passivhaus Trust by Absolute Architecture. Certification is awarded to the building subject to independent verification to ensure the building, as built, fully complies with the standard. This is a highly detailed process that delivers a superior quality of design and construction.
What are the benefits of a Passivhaus home?
A Passivhaus home delivers many interconnected benefits; lower energy bills, consistent fresh air, superior internal comfort, peaceful and quiet interiors to name a few. It is a ‘fabric first’ approach combining good orientation, extremely high levels of insulation, triple glazing and mechanical heat recovery. With over 30 years of monitoring across a range of building types, the performance of a Passivhaus home has proved consistent and accurate. Based on sound building physics, Passivhaus design reduces energy consumption by design rather than relying on renewables to offset carbon.
Does Passivhaus only apply to new builds?
No, it does not. Whilst is its easier to achieve the standard with a new build it is possible to retrofit existing buildings as well. EnerPHit is a slightly relaxed standard for such projects. We have extensive experience in retrofitting both period and mid-century homes to substantially enhance the thermal efficiency of these buildings, reducing running costs and creating a more comfortable living environment. So, whatever the existing architecture or conservation issue, we can help you make sustainable living part of your lifestyle whatever the age of your home.
Do I have to design my home to Passivhaus standard?
Whilst we would love to deliver a home that can be awarded the full Passivhaus accreditation, we are flexible in adopting the principles and applying them to the design in a manner that fits your budget.
It was extremely important to us that the new build, whilst meeting our accommodation needs should also be in keeping with its environment and our budget. Absolute Architecture offered several different design options and we opted for a linear building which we felt suited the site. The building construction and materials suggested has ensured the building has blended well into its environment and offers us a comfortable, practical, energy efficient home which we continue to be delighted with and we would not hesitate in recommending the services of Absolute Architecture.
– S & P
Newbury, Berkshire
Eco architecture for your everyday lifestyle
Absolute Architecture work with eco consultants and green specialist suppliers to obtain the analytical data that will inform the design of your home. We also believe in intelligent buildings and aim to install management systems that are simple to use and effective, as well as time and cost saving.
We have particular experience in retrofitting both period and mid-century homes to substantially enhance the thermal efficiency of these buildings, reducing running costs and creating a more comfortable living environment.
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ABSOLUTE ARCHITECTURE
Providing tailored support and services to see homes all the way through their transformation, Absolute Architecture are the go-to residential architecture business for ambitious dream homes that require a little extra creativity, inspiration or planning expertise. We are a RIBA Chartered and Passivhaus accredited practice based in Newbury, Berkshire. Absolute Architecture serves the Cotswolds, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.
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