news

York low-energy home 2nd April 2019

Final finishes are being applied to this new detached low-energy house north of York for an April completion.

A quality factory-fabricated timber frame with an insulated foundation system, triple-glazed timber windows and doors, and a mechanical and ventilation heat recovery system (MVHR) all help to maximise the thermal and internal air qualities.

The Client requested ‘near Passivhaus’ design requirements, but without the rigorous procedures required for the certification. Nevertheless, Passivhaus design principles were considered from the start to help achieve the highest possible standard.

Harrogate site start 1st February 2019

With early design, planning and technical stages complete, a contractor has been appointed to commence work in April.

A small Kitchen is opened out and connected to a new Dining and social space; full of vertical and horizontal light and new through vistas out and back to the original building features. Large sliding doors connect into a covered Terrace and garden.

Zinc roofing, timber, steel and triple glazing compliment the original Edwardian architecture to form a contemporary and memorable space.

Visit to Australia  1st March 2017

Moray visited Australia during part of January and February -  primarily for a family wedding.

Exploring between Sydney and Melbourne and the east coast towns highlighted how the climate has a major influence on building aesthetics, form and internal space.

The Passivhaus principles learnt in Europe can also be applied (using the PHPP calculations) equally well in warm climates to keep the internal building environment 'cool' without the need for expensive air-conditioning! ......Learn more

Hambleton Planning Success  4th November 2016

Detailed Planning Approval has been granted for a new low-energy four bedroom detached house in a rural setting north of York.

The dwelling is designed using Passivhaus principles to achieve the lowest heat loss possible, but the owners do not require the rigorous Passivhaus certification requirements. The build also incorporates solar renewable energy solutions and a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system to save even more energy.

Technical details are underway with PHPP energy demand calculation and cost checks being carried out.

Dry Stone Walling re-building 16th & 17th July 2016

Moray joined a team to learn the art and craft of dry stone walling at Outlane near Elland. The training was organised and instructed by the West Yorkshire branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain.

As a class of eight, we had great fun re-building an eight metre stretch of dilapidated wall. The basic principles are very simple, but patience and a good eye for stone selection still requires plenty of practise.

All in preparation for some walling repairs in Scotland! 

Highlands Planning Success   19th May 2016

Detailed Planning Approval has been granted for three new low-energy four bedroom detached houses each designed to Passivhaus standards.

Technical details are well underway with crucial PHPP energy demand calculation and cost checks being carried out. 

Site construction is hoped to start during 2017.

Replacing guesswork with calculation   11th May 2015

Moray has been awarded "Certified Passivhaus Designer" by the Passive House Institute, Germany.

Passive House architects are free to develop their own design strategies, provided they comply with the requirements of 'building physics', to create warm, healthy, comfortable and dry buildings that are economical to run - saving 90% of energy demand compared with conventional buildings.

Building to Passive House standards need not be expensive either, and can exhibit the highest architectural standards.

Passivhaus in the Highlands   1st May 2014

Outline planning permission has secured the land purchase for a site with views across to the beautiful Loch Ness in Scotland.

Detailed design is underway for three low-impact detached houses; an opportunity to meet the highest possible level of energy reduction using Passivhaus criteria and appropriate construction.

Prior to a detailed planning submission, the calculated fabric performance and energy demand will be analysed using the PHPP to develop and determine the final building design.

Passivhaus Design    1st January 2014

Passive buildings create a "comfortable and healthy indoor environment based on good thermal design".  

With soaring energy costs, a passive approach to building construction is the best solution to meet comfort criteria and save significant life-cycle costs. 

Moray trained during 2013 as a passivhaus designer to apply these principles to each project, and meet the high passivhaus standards for certified new and retrofit buildings.