The location, structure and orientation of
the existing barn presented challenges to
meeting the full PassivHaus standard and
PassivHaus certification was not required.
But, by using PHPP (Passive House
Planning Package) to assess the energy
demands of the renovated properties and
using PassivHaus construction detailing to
optimise insulation and minimise thermal
bridging, the architects were able to make
sure the homes would have the highest
comfort levels for tenants and the lowest
possible energy footprint.
The renovation saw the installation of triple
glazed windows throughout the building,
including the use of large south-facing
windows to maximise the amount of light
and warmth from the sun that enters the
properties. 300mm of insulation was used to
line the existing sandstone walls.
Installing high levels of insulation without
also addressing the issue of ventilation
can have a negative effect on indoor air
quality and create issues with dampness
and mould. ‘It should be a key principle of all
building that there is no insulation without
ventilation’ says Nicholas Major, Innovation
Director at White Hill Design Studio. The
Home Farm development uses MVHR
(Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery)
systems in each housing unit to ensure
good air quality and eliminate any potential
damp issues. MVHR systems automatically
remove warm, damp air from kitchens and
whitehilldesignstudio.com
Images: Kilian O’ Sullivan
50 - www.refurbandrestore.co.uk
bathrooms, recover around 90% of the heat
and recirculate this as dry, warm, fresh
air throughout the property. This reduces
heating demand too, as the heat produced by
cooking, using electrical equipment and just
by living contributes to the warmth retained
in the home.
Since moving in, only one of the four homes
has required any additional heating. The
intention is that the running costs for a
two-bedroom cottage should about £600 per
year in total.
The two 2-bedroom and two 3-bedroom
homes are completely powered by locally
produced electricity – either from the
local hydro generation scheme or from
the combined heat and power plant (both
installed by Annandale Estates) or by solar
PV panels on the roof. The four properties are
supplied with completely off-grid electricity
and benefit from a very local energy footprint.
In keeping with Annandale Estates’ policy to
support the local economy, the renovation
was undertaken entirely by local contractors
and tradespeople.
The first tenants moved in to the homes at
the beginning of 2017. Tenants are delighted
with their predictably low energy bills
and find the homes warm, cosy and very
comfortable.
The Home Farm development recently won
the Rural Housing Award in the Helping It
Happen 2018 awards, run by Scottish Land
& Estates.