We were appointed in 2016 by our client to design a new Passivhaus dwelling. 

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The plot was a garden of an existing house in a quiet lane. The client had previously obtained planning permission which had lapsed. When they reapplied, it was refused and then this refusal was upheld at appeal. This was bad news as it is very difficult to overturn a decision given during the appeal process.

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Our first action was to recommend the appointment of a planning consultant. Working together, we then addressed each of the reasons for refusal, ticking them off one by one. The decision to design the new house to Passivhaus standard was seen favourably by the Planning Authority.

Following a favourable Pre Application Consultation, planning approval was granted in 2017.

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Following a period of inactivity, we were instructed to proceed in 2019 and work commenced on site in 2020, with completion in Summer 2021.

The building has been designed using a pre-engineered timber frame, with the usual Passivhaus features of extremely high levels of insulation and air tightness, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) and tripled glazed windows. Heating is supplied by an air source heat pump.

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The house provides four bedrooms with the master bedroom having an ensuite and dressing area, together with home office, family room, kitchen / diner, living room and garden room. The house is modern in appearance but responds sympathetically to its neighbours.