Passivhaus

Minimising energy consumption, Maximising thermal comfort

ECD Architects offer Passivhaus Certification, Consultancy and Design services, working on our own Passivhaus buildings, as well as supporting others with theirs.

With a third of our staff trained as Passivhaus Designers, and a Passivhaus Certifier among our team, we have worked on new Passivhaus buildings and EnerPHit level retrofits across the UK, and across a range of sectors. As architects it is our aspiration that the buildings we work on should be beautiful and practical, but also use less energy, and we enjoy using our skills to deliver this.

We are passionate about delivering certified Passivhaus buildings and have built our team up with the skill and rigour needed to do so. While we create energy models for many of the buildings we work on, where they are to be Passivhaus certified this modelling starts from the outset, and informs our decision making at every stage. Our fluency in using the Passivhaus Planning Package means that we can seamlessly integrate this into our design process, resulting in beautiful, well-designed buildings that meet the exacting Passivhaus standard.

We also frequently work as Passivhaus consultants, supporting other architects to deliver their designs to the Passivhaus standard. As architects and technologists, used to delivering buildings, we offer practical, relevant advice at the right time, with a strong understanding of how buildings are procured and delivered. From the outset we highlight areas that are working well, and those that might be risky, allowing the project team to find the right balance.

As one of only 13 organisations offering Passivhaus Certification in the UK we can guide clients and design teams through the certification process. We set out clearly from the start what information will be needed and when, to help ensure that project teams are on track to meet the certification criteria. Having a certifier on our team also ensures we remain at the forefront of Passivhaus design, as well as contributing to discussions to push the standard forwards.

Achieving the Passivhaus Standard in the UK typically involves:

Accurate design modelling using the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP)
Very high levels of insulation
High-performance windows with insulated frames
Airtight building fabric
'Thermal bridge free' construction
Mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery

Passivhaus buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort while using very little energy for heating and cooling. They are built with meticulous attention to detail, and rigorous design and construction.

ECD Architects are founding members of the Passivhaus Trust.

Download our Passivhaus services flyer for more details!

We extensive experience as Passivhaus Designers - designing our own Passivhaus buildings as well as supporting others to achieve theirs - and as Passivhaus Certifiers - from schools to housing, community and commercial buildings.

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