The Passivhaus Institute in Darmstadt, Germany has awarded another one of our projects the revered passive house certification. This extremely demanding and exact standard requires the highest attention to detail at all stages of the project, from initial design through to completion of the build including thermal bridge free details, maximum levels of insulation and no air leaks. Being awarded passive house certification is a real credit to the architects and everybody involved in the project.

Passive house certification is not the only eco aspect of this project. A number of other innovative solutions up its green credentials. Mill finished aluminium (which reduces window maintenance) has been used to clad the timber windows. By not coating the aluminium (leaving it in its raw state) it is not only environmentally more friendly because it requires less energy to manufacture, bit it is also much easier to recycled at the end of its life. In addition aesthetically it is a live material as it changes and weathers with time, showing it authentic character.

The photos below show the Green House being dusted white (by snow) and I am glad to report the client has informed me that they are snug and warm inside while using incredibly little energy to keep the house comfortable. The fact that the snow is building up on the roof (see photo) is a testament to how little heat is escaping through the roof insulation.