My Modern House: article by The Modern House in March 2018 on building a Passivhaus for comfort and wellbeing.

Churwell Avenue

The healthy house: the renovation of a dilapidated 1960s box to Passivhaus (EnerPHit) standard

Brief:

• Remodel the existing building fabric, but remain true to the original house.

• Be certifiable to a recognised Passivhaus standard without compromising on design.

• Be simple and affordable.

Original house:

• 3-bedroom house built in 1961.

• Dilapidated, unmodernised and unoccupied for several years.

• Uninsulated brick/ block cavity wall construction.

• Demolitions included removal of all internal walls, finishes, fittings and services. 

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Completed house:

• New triple-glazed windows, external doors and roof light.

• Very high levels of insulation to walls, roofs and floors.

• Mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR).

• New timber frame studio extension, UK grown cedar cladding.

• Highly comfortable, clean and fresh environment with constant temperature.

• Extremely low energy bills.

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Occupancy:

• Noticeably fresher and cleaner.

• Stable temperature throughout the day.

• No draughts, damp or condensation.

• Much improved sleep pattern for the whole family.

• Significantly less dust, and consequently fewer spiders.

• Enjoying lovely wide window sills.

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See the BLOG for our diary on transforming this ordinary suburban house into something extraordinary.

Design team: 

HeskethHayden: client, designer, project manager.

Enhabit: Passivhaus consultant

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Construction team:

Beswick and Son: Building works

Prestige: Kitchen

McDermott's: Electrical

Dave Plumber: Plumbing

Ian Plasterer: Plastering

Foggs Floors: Screeding

Cheshire Spray Painting: Spray painting

Pegasus Externals: External wall insulation

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Photos: James Andrews Photography

Plans of original house

Plans of house after refurbishment