"Exploring a unique Passivhaus self-build: A personal blend of residential and professional spaces, achieved through self-construction of an eco-friendly dwelling"
In a picturesque corner of rural Britain, Susi Clark, a retired architect, is building a new home that embodies sustainability, comfort, and adaptability. The project, named Sort Trae which means 'Black Wood' in Danish, is a testament to Susi's passion for eco-friendly design and her commitment to achieving Passivhaus standards.
Susi, along with her friend Marc Medland, collaborated on the design of the house, working closely with HEM Architects and JAM Structural Design to create a home that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also energy-efficient and adaptable to future life changes.
Designing for Sustainability
The new house is designed to be eco-friendly, featuring a sedum roof, natural finishes, and locally sourced materials. To achieve Passivhaus standards, the design focuses on the fundamental principles of the standard: airtightness, high levels of insulation, optimized orientation for solar gain, and a balanced mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR).
The air test of the house achieved an air change of 0.54 ACH, well within the 0.6 ACH required to meet the Passivhaus Standard. The house is equipped with triple-glazed windows and rooflights, as well as deep reveals, to help balance summer heat gain and winter losses.
Adaptability for Future Life Changes
The house is designed with adaptability in mind, catering to potential life changes such as diminishing mobility or care needs. Wide openings, generous movement spaces, and the possibility of installing a lift if needed, ensure that the house can evolve with its occupants.
Collaborative Efforts
HEM Architects, renowned for their expertise in achieving Passivhaus certification, have demonstrated their prowess in the project. Their earth-sheltered Passivhaus home in Stockbridge is a notable example of their ability to integrate design with planning to create affordable, high-performance homes.
JAM Structural Design, on the other hand, ensured the structural integrity of the build aligns with the Passivhaus performance goals. They worked closely with the architects to detail structures that minimize thermal bridging and support airtightness.
Combining design excellence from architects like HEM and structural precision from firms like JAM is crucial to achieve the stringent thermal, airtightness, and ventilation requirements of Passivhaus in self-build projects.
Unique Features
The exterior of the new house is clad in charred Siberian Larch, a process known as shou sugi ban. This insect-resistant and weather-resistant material contrasts beautifully with the sandstone spine of the house. The front doors are a vibrant orange, adding a pop of colour to the otherwise natural palette.
The house boasts a large kitchen and dining area, a living area, and a study on the ground floor. Susi Clark's weaving studio was designed to accommodate a large floor loom and several smaller looms. The main entrance of the house is at first-floor level.
The project faced a significant delay during the groundworks, but Susi's determination and the collaborative efforts of her team have resulted in a home that is not only beautiful but also sustainable and adaptable.
[1] Passivhaus Trust (2022). Passivhaus Principles. [Online] Available at: https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/passivhaus-principles/
[2] HEM Architects (2022). Stockbridge Passivhaus. [Online] Available at: https://www.hem-architects.co.uk/projects/stockbridge-passivhaus/
[3] Passivhaus Trust (2022). Timber Frame Passivhaus Systems. [Online] Available at: https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/technology/timber-frame-passivhaus-systems/
[4] JAM Structural Design (2022). Our Services. [Online] Available at: https://www.jamstructuraldesign.co.uk/services/
[5] Passivhaus Trust (2022). Design Considerations. [Online] Available at: https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/design-considerations/
- Susi Clark, working with friend Marc Medland, designs a home named Sort Trae, embodying sustainability, comfort, and adaptability.
- The house design features a sedum roof, natural finishes, and locally sourced materials to be eco-friendly.
- To achieve Passivhaus standards, the design emphasizes airtightness, high insulation, solar gain optimization, and a balanced MVHR system.
- The air test of the house achieved an air change of 0.54 ACH, beneath the 0.6 ACH required for the Passivhaus Standard.
- The house has triple-glazed windows, rooflights, and deep reveals for balanced heat gain and loss.
- Adaptability is at the core of the design, catering to potential life changes like diminished mobility or care needs.
- Wide openings, generous movement spaces, and potential lift installation ensure the house evolves with its occupants.
- HEM Architects, known for Passivhaus certification, showcased their expertise in designing the eco-friendly home.
- JAM Structural Design ensured the structural integrity of the build aligns with Passivhaus performance goals.
- Combining architectural excellence from HEM and structural precision from JAM is essential to achieving Passivhaus thermal, airtightness, and ventilation standards in self-build projects.
- The exterior cladding is charred Siberian Larch, contrasting beautifully with the house's sandstone spine, and the front doors are vibrant orange.
- The house features a large kitchen and dining area, living area, study, and a weaving studio on the ground floor.
- The main entrance is at first-floor level, and the project faced a significant delay during the groundworks.
- Despite the delay, Susi's determination and her team's collaborative efforts resulted in a beautiful, sustainable, and adaptable home – a testament to their dedication to eco-friendly design and Passivhaus standards.
