Above: Presenter Rupert Daly, the FMB’s Gordon Nelson and presenters Clare and Ross Booth
The third show of the 2024 Green Home Festival was aimed at self-builders interested in building a certified Passivhaus home, and was also relevant for small-to-medium construction companies who want to implement a similar business model.
During the session, Coldwells Build and John Gilbert Architects demonstrated how they’ve simplified Passivhaus delivery for self-builders through the power of collaboration. Coldwells also discussed the launch later this year of their own Passivhaus range – the first of its kind in Scotland – which will offer modern, prefabricated homes built to world-class standards.
Delegates listen as the three presenters discuss modern Passivhaus systems
The show covered a number of different areas, including:
What is Passivhaus?
An introduction to Passivhaus and why it’s the world’s leading building standard for energy-efficient homes. Delegates found out how it was developed in the 1980s by the German physicist, Wolfgang Feist, who set out to investigate why low-energy buildings weren’t delivering on their expected potential and applied his findings to create a physics-based method for building extraordinary, high-performance homes. The show also discussed some of the 65,000 Passivhaus buildings worldwide and why it’s fast-becoming a popular choice for UK self-builders.
How does it work?
Guests gained an insight into why Passivhaus homes are so insulated, airtight and well ventilated, and how they maintain a comfortable temperature year-round, with no draughts or cold spots. The show also revealed why the houses have minimal heating needs and why they use 75% less energy than the ‘average’ home built today.
Simplifying Passivhaus delivery for self-builders
Building a Passivhaus can be complex, from finding and hiring certified architects and contractors to design choices, material selections and layout decisions. For busy people who want the world’s best energy-efficient home, it’s a big commitment. Coldwells Build and John Gilbert Architects explained how they have spent two years, distilling 3,000+ decisions into one convenient package – the Coldwells Build Passivhaus.
The Coldwells Build Passivhaus – what is it?
Delegates found out more about the new Passivhaus certified homes, which are pre-designed, economical and offer honest pricing. With streamlined delivery and fast build speeds, they’re designed to be future-proof and ready for both net-zero targets and Scotland’s Passivhaus equivalent standard. As well as discussing the homes’ design, the show also outlined discounted green mortgages.
Rupert Daly from John Gilbert Architects outlines the benefits of Passivhaus during the show
