Knossington Passivhaus, Rutland | Habitat+ Architects

Knossington Passivhaus,
Rutland

Contemporary Passivhaus intervention in Conservation Area

Pre-fabricated, low carbon construction using sustainable materials

Commenced on site in February 2025 and aiming for Certification.

Design Heating demand 13.7 kWh/m2/yr
Primary Energy Demand 28.7 kWh/m2/yr
Renewable energy generation 26 kWh/m2/yr

Having commenced in February 2025, Knossington Passivhaus is under construction and will be one of Rutland’s first Certified Passivhaus projects. Designed with an annual heating demand of 13.7 kWh/m2/year, this contemporary timber frame bespoke home, which is nestled within the Braunston Conservation Area, will replace the existing energy-inefficient bungalow.

The building will utilise the MBC Larson truss twin stud wall system with cellulose insulation and insulated raft foundation, making it incredibly sustainable through its embodied materials. It will be dressed in natural ironstone and a natural slate roof with triple glazed aluminium windows. Internally, an HPV Series (heat pump ventilation) system will provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment, including mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, energy efficient space heating, summer cooling and hot water.

The replacement dwelling was a planning triumph, with the application for this contemporary design sailing through planning at the first attempt. We worked closely with the local authority and Conservation Officer to demonstrate how the design will enhance the Conservation Area, and how particular design features, or actually a lack thereof, were necessary to help it achieve the Passivhaus standard.

Follow our blog for live updates on this project as it progresses through 2025.

“We had met with some great local architects but realised early on if we wanted to build a true passive house we would need a special kind of architect. Luckily a friend in the village was able to introduce us to Habitat+.

They have been a brilliant combination of excellent design and technical knowhow but most of all they have been a big support. Tom understood exactly what we were trying to achieve aesthetically and Tim makes sure the technical and passive house elements work. I can’t overstate how valuable it is to have this kind of support join us for the roller coaster ride.”

Tony and Karen Nagel