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FAQ

Your Questions answered

What’s included in the FREE consultation? Once you have sent us some preliminary information (and completed our contact form), we will provide you with a list of recommended actions. Should you wish to proceed and commission our services, we can discuss the project in greater detail face to face or via video-meeting. With experience of designing and delivering over 10 Passivhaus buildings, we have the expertise

Is Passivhaus going to cost me more? Yes but not much more, say around 3-5% compared to a building regulations standard. The quality of some of the materials can inflate the cost but all the building materials are readily used in regular construction. The attention to detail and testing will also increase the cost slightly. 

How do I make my house Passive or low energy? Design, design, design… by an expert. The main principles of Passive buildings are 1. Insulation, 2. Air-tightness, 3. Triple glazed windows and doors 4. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery 5. Avoidance of thermal bridges.

Do I have to compromise my design aesthetic? No, absolutely not. It is a misconception that low energy goes against a design aesthetic. What you do have to consider are the location of and size of windows, as this may hinder or increase natural heating via solar gain. Other than that, the building is entirely free to incorporate any design perspective.

Are there alternatives to Passivhaus? Yes. In some cases (particularly with renovations) it may not be possible to achieve Passivhaus standard, but all buildings can be built with Passive principles in mind to achieve lower energy needs and greater comfort for your building.

I want my build to be as eco-efficient as possible - sustainable materials and heat pumps - can you help with this? More and more people are considering their environmental impact as they embark on new building projects and we’d love to help you achieve your goals!  We promote the use of sustainable building practices throughout our projects, including how and from what materials are made, their broader environmental impact, and using alternative sources of energy to heat, cool and power your building.