North East's first Passivhaus retrofit has zero carbon status, winning the region's Client of the Year and Sustainability awards
Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 174m²
This barn conversion involved an aspiration for a home that ‘touched the earth lightly’, within existing planning constraints. The judges were particularly impressed that it is the North East’s first certified Passivhaus retrofit and achieves zero carbon status, with significantly better operational energy and embodied carbon figures than RIBA Climate Challenge targets for 2030.
The structure is formed from panels of prefabricated engineered timber I-beams inserted into the barn, giving fresh and airy spaces and an airtightness 60 times that required by the building regulations. Reclaimed materials were used where possible. An accessible ground floor extends the useful lifespan of the home. Land around the house enhances biodiversity – and half of it has been offered to a local community group.
This is a home with a heart.
Regional Building of the Year 2022
North East Client of the Year 2022
North East Sustainability Award 2022 sponsored by Michelmersh
See the rest of the North East winners here
And all the RIBA Regional Awards here