Location
Worcestershire
Approved Contractor
RDS Build
U-Values
< 0.11 W/m2k
Airtightness
0.47ACH@50pa
Renewables
PV Panels (Solar)
Renewable energy generation
19 kWh/m2/yr
Heating Demand
8.0 kWh/m2/yr
Certification
Passivhaus Classic
A contemporary Passive House in Wyre Piddle
Pushing the boundaries of Passivhaus design and prefabricated construction, Anchorage is a carefully crafted home on the steep riverside in Wyre Piddle. The planning permission for this Passivhaus Plus standard house established the principle of residential use, while striving to use sustainable materials such as locally sourced stone and minimal use of cement.
Upside down living maximises the site, while the form contrasts a simple traditional aesthetic to the road elevation with a dynamic, angular and cantilevered river elevation, which is the south façade and takes full advantage of the sun and river views.
Designed by Habitat+ Architects, the building demonstrates the versatility of the Beattie timber frame build system, with overhangs, angles and a partial subterranean level. Helical piles avoid vibration damage to neighbouring listed structures, and gabions form a retaining structure which minimises the use of concrete and lowers the carbon footprint. Solar panels provide for energy use, including electric car charging, while the Passivhaus standard is met using a high airtightness, super-insulated thermal envelope with triple glazed windows and an MVHR system to avoid a space heating system.
This 3-bedroom home is versatile, innovative and future proofed, and pushes the boundaries of prefabricated Passivhaus construction.
Having seen previous Beattie projects, we decided we wanted to use the Beattie system for our new Passivhaus home, Anchorage. As well as the Beattie system, we were particularly attracted by the delivery approach which enabled our chosen builder to source, prefabricate and erect the shell. For us, it meant we could use the same team throughout the build and that our builders would be trained and knowledgeable about Passivhaus principles and the Beattie system – we wanted to do our bit to upskill the sector and spread the Passivhaus word. Our tight site and the design of our home both posed unique challenges – the building is far more articulated in form than is typical for a Passivhaus and the site is steeply sloping with the lower floor partly below ground. Beattie worked with our architects Habitat+ and structural engineers, to design a shell that interfaced the Beattie structural timber system above ground with an ICF structure below ground. We appreciate the collaborative and ‘can do’ approach that they all brought to realising our ambition. The resulting home sits well on the site with wonderful indoor and outside spaces formed by the articulation of the shell on the riverside elevation. We are delighted with our new home which brings us pleasure every day. Thank you Beattie!
Dr Frank Ainscow and Dr Kerry Mashford OBE, Clients
