Yesterday we were on site in Worcester, visiting this impressive three-storey home which we designed to meet the Passivhaus Classic standard. Our clients are experienced builders, so they understand the importance of getting the details right. But what’s particularly great about this project is how enthusiastically they’ve embraced the combination of Passivhaus performance and contemporary design. The result will be a home that isn’t just striking to look at, but comfortable,

We hear them all the time. “Will we get planning permission?” “Will our new home overheat?” “Can we actually afford to build what we want?” And while every self-build project is unique, these are questions that should be addressed from the outset. At Habitat+ Architects, we combine creative architectural design with practical, real-world experience to tackle these challenges from the very beginning. We look carefully at the opportunities and constraints of your site — from pl

At Habitat+ Architects, we believe our role shouldn’t end when the drawings are issued and a contractor is appointed. Stage 5 (the build) is where the design becomes reality — and, in our experience, it is also where having the original design team involved can add significant value to a client. We’ve seen first-hand how our involvement during construction can protect both the building and the client’s investment. It’s easy to recall examples where contractors have made mist

We’re delighted to share a few photographs of our completed Knossington Passivhaus project in Rutland, which was completed just before Christmas last year. It’s wonderful to see the garden now taking shape – not an easy year to do this in - and to see the house beginning to feel like a home rather than a building site. The replacement dwelling was a planning success, with this contemporary design securing planning permission at the first attempt. We worked closely with the

We are excited to see our Anchorage Passivhaus project featured in its second publication of the summer: The Self Builder Magazine. “A Challenging Undercurrent” is the story of an ambitious self-build that proved to be every bit as challenging as its riverside setting suggests. Overlooking the River Avon, this striking cantilevered home was designed for experienced self-builders Frank and Kerry, who set out to create a contemporary, highly sustainable house on a steep and c

We're delighted to see Anchorage Passivhaus featured over an eight-page spread in the July 2026 edition of Build It magazine. The article explores Kerry and Frank's remarkable journey and their vision for their final self-build home that would challenge conventional perceptions of Passivhaus design. The result is a Certified Passivhaus that combines outstanding energy performance with a bold, contemporary architectural expression, set within a sensitive riverside Conservation

Progress continues on our latest Passivhaus self-build project in Purley, with foundations and drainage now complete and the house about to emerge from the ground. The significant level change from front to back has created some interesting design and detailing challenges. We’ve enjoyed balancing these constraints while maintaining Passivhaus performance standards and keeping a close eye on budget, which is standard for us. Today’s heatwave site visit was intense, and we cert

At Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, low-energy sustainable architecture is doing far more than providing shelter - it is helping create stability, dignity and healthier futures for people experiencing homelessness. Working alongside forward-thinking housing association Fairhive Homes, this recently-completed project delivered seven Passivhaus-standard homes designed specifically to support vulnerable occupants through exceptional comfort, low running costs and healthier indoor envi

We’re delighted to mark a major milestone at Bradby Hall with the completion of the cupola – the first of several phases of carefully considered restoration to this remarkable Grade II listed building. Originally designed by Reginald Blomfield in the late 19th century, this impressive Victorian structure has revealed its true scale and craftsmanship as the restoration has progressed. From the early stages of accessing the structure via extensive scaffolding to understanding t

Planning a building project in the UK, whether it’s a building transformation, low-energy building or a Passivhaus home, often raises one key question: how do you control construction costs without diluting the design? At Habitat+ Architects Ltd, we believe thoughtful architecture, sustainable design and financial clarity should work together. With careful planning and the right professional guidance, it’s possible to manage your build budget while still achieving a high-qual

For self-builders, energy independence is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but instead is becoming essential. Recent global events have shown just how exposed our homes are to political events outside of our control: the ongoing conflict in the middle east has already driven sharp increases in oil and gas prices, with knock-on effects for UK households through rising energy bills. At Habitat+ Architects, we see Passivhaus as a direct response to this uncertainty. The approach is s

We’re proud to share that our latest completed project on Knossington Road in Braunston, Rutland has been officially certified as a Passivhaus Classic by the Passivhaus Institut. Performance highlights: Heating demand: 15 kWh/m²a Overheating frequency: 0% Airtightness: 0.56 ach @ 50pa Renewable energy generation: 31 kWh/m²a (from 24 solar panels) EPC rating: 98A The result is a bespoke home that maintains a comfortable indoor temperature all year round — whether it’s a he

Over the past six months, extensive external repair and restoration works have been completed at Bradby Hall , part of Haileybury ’s historic estate. It’s been a privilege to contribute to the conservation of this prestigious Victorian building. Greg Flanagan and his team approached every element of the project with diligence and respect, ensuring that original features were preserved while giving the building a renewed external presence. Projects like this highlight the

What do these three buildings have in common? They were all granted planning approval without any requirement for design changes, despite each being located in a highly sensitive planning context. Knossington Passivhaus (Conservation Area), The Paddock House (outside a settlement boundary and adjacent to a Grade II listed building), and the Performing Arts and Dining Building at Lingfield College (Green Belt) each faced very different constraints. Yet all three secured cons

When people think of Passivhaus design, the stereotype is often a simple, box-like shape focused purely on efficiency. But Passivhaus doesn’t mean dull — it means smarter, more thoughtful design that works for you and your site. A perfect case in point is Anchorage Passivhaus in Wyre Piddle. This Certified Passivhaus shows that energy-efficient homes can be dynamic, expressive and beautifully tailored to their surroundings. Set on a steep riverside plot in a Conservation Area

In today’s challenging financial climate, effective marketing matters more than ever. We have worked with many schools to reimagine their campuses, helping them present their environments at their very best and create strong, confident first impressions. At Lingfield College, this meant transforming a brutal, monolithic 1990s arrival experience into a warm and inspiring journey - one that truly embodies and reflects the pastoral care for which the School is so well known. Rea

In the summer of 2025, we partnered with Gillan Williams to capture the inspiring story behind Knossington Passivhaus — an exceptional home that sets a new benchmark for sustainable living. Join homeowners Karen and Tony as they share their remarkable journey, while our own Tim Carter reveals how careful planning, intelligent design, and expert detailing brought this ambitious project to life — balancing the exacting Passivhaus standards with the unique challenges of building

Last Saturday marked the official opening of the refurbished Grade II* library at Haileybury College. We had the pleasure of designing and bringing this project to life alongside the Haileybury projects team, with funds raised from the Masters Appeal, in honour of former headmaster Mr Martin Collier. It was brilliant to see this much-loved space alive with the staff, students and Old Haileyburians alike, enjoying the atmosphere and sharing memories of the library from deca

We were delighted to see our Knossington Passivhaus project completed not only in time for Christmas, but exactly as planned, allowing our wonderful clients to move in and enjoy the festive season in their new home. Through meticulous preparation and careful coordination, we brought this project to life while avoiding major pitfalls and setbacks. This approach enabled our clients to enjoy the journey and become involved wherever they wished. With an impressive EPC rating of 9

2025 seems to have passed in the blink of an eye. As we look back, we’re proud not only to have celebrated our third year as a practice, but also to have been nominated for four awards and to have completed a number of truly exciting projects. We’ve also taken time to reflect on the generous testimonials shared by our wonderful clients, whose support continues to inspire our work. Last Thursday as a team we celebrated the end of year with a lovely dinner and a trip to Sudel

What an incredible testimonial from Caroline Bool, Director of External Relations at Lingfield College. It was a pleasure partnering with Lingfield College to transform their Performing Arts and Dining building. Together, we created an acoustically calm, safe environment for students while delivering a refreshed visual identity that reinforces the school’s first impression. In a time when independent schools are navigating increased competition and the impact of VAT, these im

Anchorage may have been shortlisted for four different awards, but this doesn’t tell the story of the five year journey which embarked to create a Certified Passivhaus which was architecturally dynamic and elegant, breaking ‘boring’ Passivhaus stereotypes. Bringing to life a contemporary home within a traditional conservation area, on a steep riverside plot added layers of complexity, but ultimately elevated the outcome for our delighted clients. Watch our video to learn abou

Taking the first step in a building project can feel daunting, especially if you don’t yet know your architect or their process. We’re dedicated to working tirelessly for our clients, designing and bringing to life spaces which are innovative, sustainable, and deeply aligned with their vision for the future. Over the past few months, we’ve collaborated with Gillan Williams of Clarity Video to produce a video that shares our story, values, and what clients can expect when wo

Nominated in two categories: Best Eco Home - celebrating the architecturally dynamic, certified Passivhaus - and Best Architect for a Self Build Project - recognising the sheer dedication it took to bring this vision to life - this project is the result of an incredible collective effort. We’re especially grateful to our remarkable clients, Kerry Mashford and Frank Ainscow, whose belief, courage, and trust in us, not to mention their resilience, made it all possible. Th