20 AMBLESIDE AVENUE
A Passivhaus in a Conservation Area
This project for practice partner Chris Moore was an opportunity for PJMA to develop our technical design skills to Passive House standard and to understand some of the inherent challenges of this design standard that our clients may face in the future.
The existing plot was bought without planning consent and is bounded on three sides by existing dwellings. PJMA developed the design for this compact family home in relation to the complex set of contextual requirements imposed by the neighbouring structure and the location of the site in the Garrads Road conservation area.
Construction and certification is ongoing, however the home is designed to meet the Passive House standard. The air-tight, thermal bridge free building envelope is incredibly efficient and is complimented by an equally performant MVHR system. The glazing has been designed to balance heat losses and gains. The upper windows and skylights are equipped with distinctive automated louvred shutters and blinds to control summer over-heating, whilst the ground floor windows are protected by a pergola and recessed porch. The roof includes a carefully integrated array of solar hot water and photo-voltaic panels. The main challenge of the project was to deliver the ambitious environmental performance on a modest self-build budget.
The upper windows and skylights are equipped with distinctive automated louvred shutters and blinds to control summer over-heating, whilst the ground floor windows are protected by a pergola and recessed porch. The roof includes a carefully integrated array of solar hot water and photo-voltaic panels.
The progress of this project was documented for the television programme ‘Building the Dream’ produced for More4.
