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COMMENT
the inner timber frame structure also helped support and shore up the outer masonry barn wall, using specially adapted wall connec- tors with low thermal conductivity.
How ‘zero compromise’ was the design and were any aesthetic compromises made?
The form and orientation of the building were obviously fixed, which impacted on the passive solar gains available in the building. The high ceiling height and reduced level of treatable floor area meant that the project would not have achieved EnerPHit through standard certification using PHPP (Passive House Planning Package) methodology. Fortunately, the Passivhaus Institute had then developed a ‘component’ route to EnerPHit, with set criteria for individual building elements (e.g. walls, roof, floor etc), which the Cre8 Barn could fulfil.
CASE STUDY: BURNHAM OVERY STAITHE
A coastal terrace of three Passivhaus units forming part of a mixed development of affordable and open market housing on a planning exception site within the North Norfolk AONB, reflecting the local vernacular of traditional fishermans’ cottages.
Architect’s View: Chris Parsons – Parsons + Whittley
Why were the materials and the construction method adopted? In fact, materials here led the choice of construction method. We wanted to respect the character of Burnham Overy Staithe, not least because the whole area is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but also because it was adjacent to the Conservation Area. We studied materials and traditional features to ground the development in its location, and that suggested the use of flint, red brick and clay pantiles, as well as the simple form of the buildings. Given the predominance of masonry type solutions and our previous experience of delivering Passivhaus through masonry construction, the scheme utilised a traditional masonry cavity wall. The increased thermal mass also influenced our decision as did the use of Gypsum plaster (Hardwall) as an airtight membrane.
What was the main challenge in meeting Passivhaus? The scheme received planning approval in 2009 but had not originally been proposed as a Passivhaus development.
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
Nonetheless, the form of the building and orientation leant itself so the modifications were easily assimilated, with a thickening of wall constructions and a slight height adjustment. Thankfully the plan- ners were very helpful in approving these amendments. This left us short of space for MVHR and other equipment but the use of compact units containing exhaust air heat pumps enabled the whole of the kit to be fitted with the former airing cupboards and still leave enough room for linen storage.
How ‘zero compromise’ was the design and were any aesthetic compromises made? As always with Passivhaus, the approach starts with ‘zero compro- mise’ but inevitably there were some on the way. The main compromise was around the heating/MVHR system which is more complicated than we would prefer. The location of the combined units forced us to site the inlet and exhaust for the MVHR through different roof slopes, which is probably not ideal. The overheating strategy couldn’t utilise deeper roof overhangs because of the aesthetic and so we had to resort to electrically operated external blinds to control overheating.
Aesthetic compromises were not admissible given the sensitive nature of the site and the extant planning consent but this did not cause us any real performance issues. Given that the design was based on traditional building forms found in the area, I think it demonstrates that our forebears instinctively understood the princi- ples of Passivhaus design.
The Passivhaus Trust
The Passivhaus Trust is an independent, non-profit organisation that provides leadership in the UK for the adoption of the Passivhaus standard and methodology. Passivhaus is the leading international low energy, design standard. Over 65,000 buildings have been designed, built and tested to this standard worldwide. The Trust aims to promote the principles of Passivhaus as a highly effective way of reducing energy use and carbon emissions from buildings in the UK, as well as providing high standards of comfort and building health. The 2017 UK Passivhaus Awards take place in July.
How to build a Passivhaus: Rules of thumb. Chapter 3: Building Fabric
www.passivhaustrust.org.uk
1 ADF FEBRUARY 2017
Burnham Overy Staithe © Parsons + Whittley
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