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the silver house, fife
standard, it contains a workspace for Kirsty and a colleague, and a meeting room to discuss projects with clients. “ If I can have clients in on a cold winter’s
evening and it’s cosy and warm in here without any heating on, that shows them the comfort levels that a Passivhaus can bring,” said Kirsty. A mechanical ventilation heat recovery
to monitor energy use, indoor air quality and temperature. The results will feed back into future projects for further design refinement. The KMA Workshop is built just outside. More than just a residence and
convincing office space for potential clients, The Silver House stands as a testament to how Passivhaus design can transform even the most challenging sites into thriving, comfortable homes. The house’s construction was shaped
by site constraints and material choices. A timber-stud structure with external wood fibre insulation was chosen for its breathability and low embodied carbon. Below ground, a concrete block retaining wall was insulated to maintain thermal efficiency. Due to space limitations, off-site manufacturing was not feasible. Every component was manually carried onto the site, requiring careful planning. The home integrates low-carbon
materials, using natural, breathable insulation that enhances thermal mass and comfort. Recycled vegetable oil was used to coat the stainless-steel cladding,
ensuring durability and future recyclability. Overheating was addressed through careful glazing optimisation using the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP), eliminating the need for external shading. The north-facing slope played a key role in this strategy, allowing winter sun to warm the home while preventing overheating in summer. The home’s performance is being closely monitored by the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with Kirsty Maguire Architect Ltd. Initial results indicate stable indoor temperatures throughout the year, excellent indoor air quality, and minimal energy consumption. This ongoing research will inform future Passivhaus projects and refine design strategies for even greater efficiency. Kirsty commented: “A real test came last
winter when the temperature was below zero for more than a week. I was out of the country and everything was switched off at the house. Even with no heating it only lost one degree every 24 hours” Kirsty’s home office sits in front of the house. Built to the same Passivhaus
system (MVHR) ensures a constant supply of fresh air while recovering heat from outgoing air, not only improving air quality but also minimisng heat loss and maintaining consistent humidity. A small air-source heat pump provides hot water. The house requires no central heating, with passive solar gain and insulation maintaining warmth. Infrared panels offer occasional heat boosts if needed. Wiring is in place for future solar panels and battery storage, allowing further reductions in energy costs. The house also includes an insulated, airtight cat tunnel, demonstrating that even pet access can be considered in Passivhaus design! The project also highlighted that many challenges in construction arise not from Passivhaus requirements but from external factors like site limitations and supply chain disruptions, such as insulation delays due to border closures. However, tackling these obstacles with flexibility and resilience is key to successful project execution. This Fife Passivhaus is a testament to
how constraints can drive innovative, sustainable design. Despite its challenging site, the home achieves exceptional comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility. With continued monitoring, the insights gained will contribute to even more refined Passivhaus solutions in the future.
Images: Kirsty Maguire
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