• Designed heating demand 5.1 kWh/m2/yr

• Designed Primary Energy Demand 22.1 kWh/m2/yr

• Designed Renewable energy generation 58 kWh/m2/yr
   

Located within the rural setting of a historic farmstead in South Worcester, The Paddock Passivhaus is an enterprising response to context – an ultra-low energy self-build home nestled adjacent to the Grade II listed Tudor farmhouse at Upper Broomhall Farm.

 

This highly contemporary home embraces its heritage surroundings while confidently setting a forward-looking agenda for sustainable, Net Zero domestic architecture.

 

The clients, long-term residents of the farmstead, currently live in a traditionally converted barn on the site. The challenge was to create a new home that is unashamedly modern, functionally efficient and rooted in environmental stewardship. The test lay in integrating a contemporary design language within a historically sensitive landscape while delivering a home that meets the rigorous performance standards of Passivhaus Plus.

 

The architectural response is one of considered contrast. Responding to the heights of the neighbouring buildings and maintaining a deferential presence beside the listed farmhouse, the flat roof minimises visual impact and accommodates a large solar PV array – central to the project achieving Passivhaus Plus certification. Stone and zinc cladding echo the materiality of the wider farmstead, tying new to old in a calmly expressive way.

 

The home’s technical performance will exceed industry benchmarks. With a designed space heating demand of just 5.1 kWh/m²/yr and a primary energy demand of 22.1 kWh/m²/yr, the building is expected to produce more energy than it consumes – thanks to an estimated renewable generation of 58 kWh/m²/yr.

 

The timber frame construction, super-insulated envelope and MVHR system will work in harmony to create a healthy, comfortable indoor environment with minimal operational energy demand. Beyond its architectural and environmental ambition, the project delivers significant ecological benefits.

 

The clients have observed a marked decline in local biodiversity and were keen for the project to act as a catalyst for environmental repair. Landscape interventions include the creation of a new freshwater wildlife pond, a traditional orchard and layers of native planting, transforming the site into a sanctuary for both residents and local wildlife.

 

Currently a live planning application, The Paddock Passivhaus sets a clear vision for how exceptional environmental performance, contemporary architecture and heritage sensitivity can coexist. It is a considered, site-specific response that seeks not only to tread lightly on the land but to give something meaningful back.