The Passive House Terrace

HLM Architects

Category: Residential

Commendation

The overarching idea of the expo is to create a series of houses which would be a catalyst for the wider building industry and by creating an exemplar community, act as an inspiration for future housing design and development.
In going beyond current UK best practice and setting a new benchmark for low energy residential design in Scot- land and the UK, HLM Architect’s concept for the 3 terraced houses on plot 11, takes on the rigorous German ‘PassivHaus’ standard for energy efficiency. Translated to Scottish Housing it results in a series of ultra low-energy houses, which dispense with conventional heating systems altogether. Our heating load is so small we could use a hairdryer to heat the house.

We felt it important to design a series of houses which were quiet, modest and contextual but with a progressive and innovative response to the Expo’s sustainability aspirations; housing that would also be affordable and attrac- tive to both volume house builders and social housing providers alike.

Our certified Passive House terrace, has achieved an 80% reduction in energy demand through careful orientation and a compact form, using a locally manufactured off-site prefabricated closed panel system which along with high performance windows provide a super insulated air–tight building fabric. This massively reduces ventilation heat losses whilst ensuring excellent thermal comfort internally. A balanced mechanical ventilation system with heat re- covery is also employed as a key element of the strategy, reducing heating bills but also providing cleaner, fresher excellent quality of indoor air. Hot water is then provided from regenerative sources via an air source heat pump whilst enhanced biodiversity is provided through careful landscape design and the use of local species, enhancing of wildlife habitats, composting and providing opportunities for food production.