Tottenham hails new Passivhaus neighbourhood
A new project in Haringey has been granted planning permission for almost 300 new homes targeting Passivhaus.
The London Borough of Haringey is the latest to announce a sizeable low-carbon neighbourhood scheme targeting Passivhaus. An existing refuse depot at Ashley Road is set to be transformed into 272 new homes for social rent and market sale.
Designed by PHT member Levitt Bernstein, the north London development consists of three blocks ranging from 4 to 13 storeys in height. More than half of the 272 homes will be social rent, and 67% of these will have three or more bedrooms.
The project is designed to meet Passivhaus standards, with the highest levels of fabric energy efficiency, triple glazing and reduced thermal bridging. Window sizes respond to each orientation, external shutters reduce solar gain, and photovoltaic panels on the roofs are some of the measures integrated into the design. Creating almost 4,000 m2 of green space in two courtyards, two new pedestrian and cycle priority north-south routes connect the neighbourhood to the local area.
Key Stats
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All buildings will connect to the District Energy Network providing heating & hot water. A report considered by the planning committee said: ‘The development would use no fossil fuel combustion and would be close to zero carbon. The fabric efficiency of the buildings would be exceptional.'
The London Borough of Haringey has an ambitious target to be a net zero carbon borough by 2041. Our brief, in terms of energy and sustainability, was derived from the Council’s vision. They were keen to explore how far high-end sustainability standards could be embedded into the proposals, to create an exemplar sustainable development for the borough. Passivhaus was also seen as a means to lowering energy bills for residents – vital in these times of escalating fuel costs.”
Jo McCafferty, Director at Levitt Bernstein
Construction
WallsIn situ reinforced concrete frame with SFS wall lining system. Facing brick with concrete detailing and mineral fibre insulation. Average U-value: <0.13 W/m2K |
RoofIn situ concrete with Biodiverse Green or Blue Roof finish, and mansard roof plywood web joist structure and fibre cement slate finish. Average U-value: <0.08 W/m2K |
FloorSuspended ground floor slab with rigid insulation and leveling screed. Average U-value: <0.1 W/m2K |
The specification includes triple-glazed aluminum/timber composite windows and doors.
Window Design Challenges
Chris Lomas, Senior Associate at Levitt Bernstein shares some design challenges that will inform future projects:
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The brief required a high percentage of family homes (35% of the total), which led to gallery access for several buildings. These buildings have a higher form factor than double-loaded corridor buildings, therefore need to work harder to meet the target of <15 kWh/m2.a.
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Another challenge was the balance between the daylight sunlight requirements for new homes and Passivhaus glazing ratio targets. North-facing glazing has been limited to avoid excessive heat losses which meant we had to carefully plan homes to meet daylight guidance.
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The balance of glazing ratio and elevation design was executed well, and we will carry forward the lessons learnt. Additional detailing – such as concrete banding, glazed brick and varied brick coursing – was employed to add interest to façades with limited fenestration.
Predicted Energy Performance
Block A |
Block B |
Block C |
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Thermal Energy demand |
13 kWh/m2.yr (average) |
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Thermal Energy load |
10 W/m2 (average) |
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Primary Energy Renewable Demand (PER) kWh/m2.yr |
53 |
56 |
55 |
Primary Energy Renewable Generation (PER) kWh/m2.yr |
56 |
28 |
Key Team
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The scheme is designed to achieve Passivhaus certification. The certification route is still to be approved by the client and is pending the outcome of tender. We shall eagerly watch this space!
The project is due to start on site in February 2023 and will be the largest housing scheme delivered so far in Haringey Council’s ambitious housebuilding programme. The authority aims to deliver 3,000 new council homes in the next decade.
Unless otherwise stated, all images © Levitt Bernstein
Further Information
Architect's Journal: Levitt Bernstein gets green light for Passivhaus council housing - 27 July 2022
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