Being twice shortlisted for the Build It Awards is a fantastic recognition for Anchorage Passivhaus, but it only scratches the surface of the story behind this project.

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.

This project presented frequent challenges, but rather than dwell on those, here are some fun stats to celebrate the accomplishment:

2 successes at planning committee.

2 major component suppliers entering administration.

£200,000 saved from the estimated project cost through creative thinking to make this viable.

54 months project duration, significantly due to bad luck.

Predicted heating demand 8.0 kWh/m2/yr

Air tightness 0.47

Form factor 3.3.

Cost = £3575/m2

Passivhaus uplift = 6%

And credit where credit is due:

• Architect (Stages 1-7) and Project Managers: Habitat+ Architects Ltd

• Passivhaus Designer: Habitat+ Architects Ltd

• Main Contractor: Robert Shaw

• Structural and Civil Engineer (the one who made this project happen): ADG-C Consulting Ltd

• Drainage Engineer: TJ Infrastructure

• Energy Designer: Kerry Mashford OBE

• MHVR: Total Home Environment Ltd

• Passivhaus Certifier: Mead Consulting Ltd

• Arborioculturalist: Tree Frontiers

• Landscape and Ecology: Blade

• Planning support: Smith Jenkins

• Structural Thermal Envelope: Beattie

• Hot water: Sunamp Thermino ePlus150

• Solar energy generation: 2.4kWp

• Residual heating demand: Trust Neo

• Insulated base: Isoquick

• Retaining walls: Nudura ICF

• Windows and doors: Ideal Combi / Lacuna / Fakro

Anchorage Passivhaus, you were a blast.