We are currently working on the design of a new build Passivhaus dwelling in Cambridge. The project is striving to achieve a new paradigm for our studio in terms of sustainable design.

Located within the West Cambridge Conservation Area, the project must negotiate the balance between a contextually sensitive new build house and an exemplary sustainable design.

The project will create a contemporary form of a red brick villa, responding to the strong character of the late nineteenth century red brick houses with pitched clay tiles roofs that line the street. The proposed form is defined by an evolution of the existing pitched volumes and hierarchies, and a re-interpretation of the typical architectural motifs found on the street: Porch, bay window, dormer, chimney stack.

The design has been influenced by a pragmatic passive and low energy design strategy, making use of several active elements, such a ground source, photovoltaics, rainwater recycling and mechanical ventilation heat recovery.

The layout, location and size of openings to the landscape are well considered to capture selected views, while providing appropriate natural daylight and shading, using solar gain to minimise active heating and lighting solutions.

An engineered timber frame structure is exposed internally, bringing an honesty to the construction. This is wrapped in a red brick skin, responding directly to the character of the context. The implementation of a timber construction greatly reduces the environmental impact of the scheme, offsetting the concrete required to form the basement.

The proposed house is a lifetime ambition for our client and their family. Their new home has been carefully designed throughout, with each decision made carefully to select the best solution to flexibly accommodate their needs for the rest of their lives within a contextual sustainable dwelling.