Old Holloway
| Location: Little Birch, Herefordshire, HR2 | |
| Completion Status: Complete 11/2017 and Certified 10/2017 | Occupancy: Occupied 07/2017 |
| Architect: Juraj Mikurcik | Consultant: Alan Clarke, Nick Grant, WARM |
| Contractor: Self-build, Mike Whitfield Construction Ltd (shell) | Client: Private |
| Certification: November 2017 | Certifier: WARM |
| Share this project: | |
Small projects WINNER in the 2018 UK Passivhaus Awards. A seductively simple self-build utilising an innovative pre-fabricated straw-bale/ timber construction. Perservering through a 4 year planning process, the single storey detached home sits snuggly within its rural surroundings.
The proposal creates an informal courtyard utilising the existing huts on site and the dwelling – an arrangement that is typical for the local area. The scale and massing of the simple single-storey detached dwelling, with pitched roof and south facing verandah, is sympathetic to local vernacular architecture.
The house is cut in to the existing ground, minimising visual impact of the building on the site, neighbouring properties and wider landscape, whilst working with the existing site contours. Orientation of the house is perfect due south, maximising the far-reaching views.
This is the first UK application of Ecococon timber/ straw prefab panel system. The prefabricated system is a certified Passivhaus component, and allowed for rapid and accurate construction. The external walls were erected in three days and the house watertight in four weeks!
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Materials include exposed self-finished (sealed) concrete slab, self-finished clay plaster walls, charred timber cladding from local cedar and corrugated metal roofing which was local and very economical!
Key Stats
|
 |
Energy Performance
A Netatmo system measures CO2, internal and external temperature & relative humidity. Actual heating demand based on 1m3 of burnt wood over the winter heating season (assumed calorific value 1800kWh per tonne and weight of 500kg/m3 timber) 9.5 kWh/m2/a.
A simple and robust detailing and airtightness strategy has been adopted. The large south roof overhang, in combination with simple manual external blinds to south facing bedroom and east/ west windows provides a simple way of minimising the risk of overheating. Every space has an openable window which can be left open on tilt-in overnight. Exposed concrete slab helps moderate peaks of temperatures (but night purge essential as this is a double-edge sword!) A Zehnder Comfoair 160 MVHR with automatic summer bypass provides sufficient ventilation. Monitoring during the first year confirmed 0% overheating as defined by PHPP.
Lessons Learned
- It was a challenge creating a modest, affordable, high performing family home fit for 21st Century - Re-evaluate how much space you really need.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and seek advice from others
- Proud of achieving a healthy, non-toxic palette of materials on a tight budget
- Build what you can afford
- Enjoy the process
Further Information
All images ©Juraj Mikurcik
Back to the 2018 UK Passivhaus Awards
.gif "Get the PHT newsletter") |
.gif "Follow us on twitter @PassivhausTrust") |
