Building the dream...Passivhaus in North Somerset

[AnnaH]

Hello everyone, first post and just wanted to introduce myself as you all seem like an extremely informative and helpful bunch - I hope one day to provide the same level of contribution and advice when we finally get to build our dream!  

 

We are hoping to build a 4 bed Passivhaus in North Somerset, about 8 miles south of Bristol.  We are still in the very early stages of planning, as in, not sure if the plot in question has any potential for planning as yet, so have been spending a considerable amount of time reading about the Local Plans, NPFF and what the implications are of trying to build a village washed over with the Green Belt and is outside of a settlement boundary.  The plot is part of a large garden, so might be considered a windfall plot but the two issues I mentioned are obviously very difficult to overcome, if at all.  We do not have the sort of budget for a Paragraph 79 house but nevertheless given the location, we felt it was an avenue worth exploring further.  In any case the research we have been undertaking generally won't be a wasted effort, since I feel it is helping us understand the build process and makes us better informed clients.

 

In terms of build systems we are very keen on ICF, and going through the process now of trying to understand what the pros and cons are of the various systems - of which this site has proven very helpful already!

 

We have also started to try and make a short list of architects that meet the following criteria: have demonstrable Passivhaus experience, have ICF experience, and can provide a Passivhaus design beyond just a box (yes I know that it is the most efficient design in terms of energy efficiency, but hey, its our dream :). this has proven difficult to say the least, the vast majority of architects who are local who have Passivhaus experience seem to only have experience with timber frame or seem so fanatical about the concept of eco design that I wondered whether we would be chased away with pitch forks if we even broached the idea of a monolothic concrete house. :). The other type of architects we found with lots of Passivhaus experience seem to be based in London, and frankly I wonder whether they would be so fancy that our fairly modest budget just wouldn't be of interest to them.  If anyone can recommend an architect who meets the above criteria that would be great.

 

So anyway, that's a brief synopsis of where we are, I sincerely hope to be able to contribute further to this site with updates!

[willbish]

Hello and welcome.

 

I am building an ICF build about 4 miles north of you in Dundry, so feel free to drop in if you'd like a closer look.

 

With regard to architects, I would say you don't need one experienced with Passiv Haus unless you absolutely want a certified plaque on your door.

 

ICF is relatively straightforward forward to apply the three key principles of low energy design: extra insulation, great airtightness and minimal thermal bridging.

 

This is the approach I followed and should end up with a property that meets the requirements of Passiv Haus.

 

That said, if you are envisaging large expanses of glass and a very modern design having someone run the PHPP software to determine how bad you could overheat in the summer would be prudent.

 

 

[nod]

1 hour ago, willbish said:

Hello and welcome.

 

I am building an ICF build about 4 miles north of you in Dundry, so feel free to drop in if you'd like a closer look.

 

With regard to architects, I would say you don't need one experienced with Passiv Haus unless you absolutely want a certified plaque on your door.

 

ICF is relatively straightforward forward to apply the three key principles of low energy design: extra insulation, great airtightness and minimal thermal bridging.

 

This is the approach I followed and should end up with a property that meets the requirements of Passiv Haus.

 

That said, if you are envisaging large expanses of glass and a very modern design having someone run the PHPP software to determine how bad you could overheat in the summer would be prudent.

 

 

How often does that happen 

Building the same 

Only a stone throw away 

Great offer

[AnnaH]

On 03/09/2020 at 22:09, willbish said:

Hello and welcome.

 

I am building an ICF build about 4 miles north of you in Dundry, so feel free to drop in if you'd like a closer look.

 

With regard to architects, I would say you don't need one experienced with Passiv Haus unless you absolutely want a certified plaque on your door.

 

ICF is relatively straightforward forward to apply the three key principles of low energy design: extra insulation, great airtightness and minimal thermal bridging.

 

This is the approach I followed and should end up with a property that meets the requirements of Passiv Haus.

 

That said, if you are envisaging large expanses of glass and a very modern design having someone run the PHPP software to determine how bad you could overheat in the summer would be prudent.

 

 

That is a very kind offer! we would love to come and visit and hear about your experience

 

 

[joe90]

Welcome to THE forum and lots of knowledge. I built a “box” (but a pretty box) cottage style. We had no architect (apart from putting my pencil drawings on CAD and little details to meet building regs). Ours is brick and block but with loads of insulation and a great focus on detail (where most builders fall down). I did not do any calculations but followed general principles of how a passive house should be built. It cost a little more than a conventional house but a lot less to run. Looking forward to hearing how you get on. If you fancy a good read look at http://www.mayfly.eu and others on this forum.

[SteamyTea]

Welcome.

Like any project, make the big decisions first, the rest is just detail.

A "box" like @joe90 has is a good start as has a low surface area to volume/footprint ratio.

There is also some walk on glazing for sale near you, you could do all of us a favour by designing that into your built.

[Redoctober]

3 minutes ago, SteamyTea said:

Welcome.

There is also some walk on glazing for sale near you, you could do all of us a favour by designing that into your built.

 

???

[AnnaH]

On 05/09/2020 at 09:34, joe90 said:

Welcome to THE forum and lots of knowledge. I built a “box” (but a pretty box) cottage style. We had no architect (apart from putting my pencil drawings on CAD and little details to meet building regs). Ours is brick and block but with loads of insulation and a great focus on detail (where most builders fall down). I did not do any calculations but followed general principles of how a passive house should be built. It cost a little more than a conventional house but a lot less to run. Looking forward to hearing how you get on. If you fancy a good read look at http://www.mayfly.eu and others on this forum.

 

Thank you for pointing me in the direction of your blog, I will definitely have a read as I’m always keen for a bit of LFE!