Chequers B Passivhaus Homes
Loughton, Epping Forest
Chequers B provides 8 Passivhaus homes on a garage site between two sets of two-storey terraced houses.
Location: Loughton, Epping Forest
Client: Epping Forest District Council
Status: Planning
Specialisation: Passivhaus
The Chequers B site is backed by a TFL railway line and set within a flood risk zone. Our designs, therefore provide the new development with a ‘sacrificial space’ at ground floor within which space is provided for parking, cycle and bin storage, and a covered terraced extension to the rear garden.
To achieve the Passivhaus Standard, high levels of insulation and triple glazed windows have been incorporated within the design greatly reducing the energy consumption of homes whilst having the further benefit of reducing external noise – specifically the noise from trains on the adjoining railway tracks.
With the reduced heat demand of the homes, and the generation of electricity on site, it was agreed to heat the homes electrically removing them from the gas grid. Furthermore, removing the need for the use of fossil fuels within the new homes means the new development will not adversely impact upon the air quality of the existing community, and will support the Council in achieving its climate change targets by addressing Epping Forest’s Climate Emergency declaration.
The development takes advantage of its large flat roof for the installation of PV panels. These will meet the heating demand of communal areas and offset part of the carbon footprint of those properties.