This RIBA award winning project encompasses a new build two bedroom house on a small plot in north London. Slotting into an established Victorian neighbourhood and working in collaboration with the Client, also an Architect, the intention was to create a layered, super low energy, timber building.

The plot already had planning permission for a larger property including a substantial basement. Circle Architecture completed a full technical redesign, modelling the building in PHPP and producing an extensive set of Passivhaus compliant thermally bridge free details.

Using an I beam timber frame with cellulose insulation on a raft foundation, the building achieves impressive u-values enabling it to meet the PHI Low Energy Building standard. Other significant features include a rooftop solar array, a sedum roof to slow water runoff and increase biodiversity, planted green facades to soften the eastern elevation and a combined heating, cooling MVHR/ air source heat pump unit.

Status: Completed 2023

M&E Engineer: Inhabit now part of 21 Degrees

Structural Engineer: Rodrigues Associates

Contractor: JigSaw Construction

Timber Frame: PYC Construction Ltd

Awards: RIBA Regional Award + RIBA Website

Photography courtesy of: Morley Von Sternberg