Ringmer Passivhaus receives certification

This self-build project in Ringmer, East Sussex, started out as a conversion of an existing asbestos clad equestrian barn into a three-bedroom dwelling. 

Upon beginning this self-build, the clients stressed the importance of airtightness and consistent temperatures in their future home. Indeed, with one of them suffering from Raynaud's Phenomenon, a condition affecting blood circulation, a drafty home is far from ideal. Alongside these airtightness needs, energy efficiency was a crucial requirement for the owners. However, with a redundant agricultural building on their hands, tied up in the restrictions of Class Q of the General Permitted Development Order, the clients were not allowed to replace the original concrete structure, it had to be reclad. In order to meet their high energy efficiency aspirations, the clients therefore changed the original plan and opted for a new-build replacement of a smaller equestrian barn on the property that had already been granted prior approval. Furthermore, after much research, they decided that Passivhaus would provide them with the most suitable solution to meet both their lifestyle needs and their low-energy standards.

Energy efficiency began from the ground up in this build, with the use of an ISOQUICK system, wrapping the entire raft foundation in insulation to eliminate any thermal bridges. 

 

The single biggest challenge presented by the project was the combination of highly shrinkable clay and the wish to incorporate an ISoQuick style raft insulation. Many design solutions were reviewed, with the adopted option being a sacrificial bed of concrete to act as ground improvement on which the IsoQuick was laid. Whilst not the cheapest solution, it proved to be the least risk and least impactful on delivery programme.

James Galpin, HazleMcCormackYoung LLP

These self-builders used a SIPCO SIPs construction system, allowing them room for complete design flexibility, while providing a simple, streamlined solution for delivering excellent fabric performance and airtightness. A Passivhaus certified Zenhder unit was chosen for MVHR.

 

A contemporary approach was taken for the internal design

 

Energy Performance

Airtightness	0.30ACH@50pascals
Thermal Energy Demand (≤15kWh/m².yr)	14kWh/m².yr
Thermal Energy Load (≤10W/m²)	10W/m²
Primary E Demand (≤120kWh/m².yr)	104kWh/m².yr

This project provided a first-time Passivhaus experience for the clients, but also for contractor Rextone Ltd and Structural Engineers Abstruct Ltd. Seeking expertise in the industry, the clients assigned to the project Architect James Galpin, of PHT Member HazleMcCormackYoung LLP, and Consultants Enhabit Ltd, also a PHT Member and an old hand at all things Passivhaus. 

 

Key Stats Treated Floor Area: 153m² Occupancy: 2,9 Construction type: SIPS Construction Start Date: February 2018 Certification date: 7 September 2018
	Key Team Client: Private  Architect: James Galpin, HMY Consultant: Enhabit Ltd Contractor: self-build, Rexstone Ltd Structural Engineer: Adrian Boult - Abstruct Certifier: CoCreate

 

All images © James Galpin, HazleMcCormackYoung LLP

 

15th February 2019

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