Sustainable Selfbuild Shortlisted for Passivhaus Awards
Completed in 2022, Parc y Rhodyn is the UK’s first certified Passivhaus that meets One Planet Development. It is also entirely off-grid. Our involvement with the project, alongside several other amazing contributors, has been shortlisted for the 2023 UK Passivhaus Awards.
Parc y Rhodyn Passivhaus selfbuild
Priding itself on being off-grid - that means without using or depending on public utilities, especially the supply of electricity - One Planet Passivehaus is a simple straw insulated SIPS self-build. It has been shortlisted for the 2023 Passivhaus Awards in the new-build residential category.
The brief asked for a low impact home built predominantly from bio-based materials with low running costs and minimal energy demand to meet its off grid aspirations. The project demonstrated a substantial reduction in the operational energy of the dwelling by adopting the Passivhaus standard. The Biogenic material used reduces the embodied energy and introduces carbon sequestration. Carbon analysis and ecological footprint is positively influenced by the project’s minimized fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
“The air quality inside is really good with a consistent level of humidity which makes the house always feel pleasant. There is no condensation even in the coldest weather or in the bathroom after someone has taken a shower or a bath” - Parc y Rhodyn self-build clients.
Significantly, the project is not connected to any mains supply of power, water or waste. Electricity is supplied by solar on site, while the minimal space heating required by Passivhaus is supplied by a wood-burning cooker, which also heats the hot water. In addition, the solar storage has been designed to ensure adequate electricity is available even in the depths of winter. On-site coppicing largely supplies the fuel burned in the wood stove. The house is also self-sufficient with its water demands and naturally filtrates wastewater with reed beds.
We utilised our signature natural materials throughout Parc y Rhodyn’s construction process. The main construction system was made out of Ecococon straw wall timber panels, with the roof insulated with recycled cellulose. To assist with moisture management, the building is clay plastered internally and externally wrapped in Pavatherm woodfibre with a ventilation rain-screen made of locally sourced larch cladding.
“The shading of the veranda and roof overhang work perfectly to help keep the house cool in summer and also allow the winter sun to shine in and help keep the house warm” - Parc y Rhodyn self-build clients.
In order to be shortlisted for the 2023 Passivhaus Awards, projects were required to showcase how they combat the cost of living crisis for their occupants. Candidates were also required to demonstrate solutions across several building typologies whilst simultaneously striving towards zero carbon climate targets. Parc y Rhodyn’s position as a finalist exemplifies Hawkland’s leading work as a frontrunner in ecological, purpose-led construction. We are thrilled to be nominated among many other brilliant innovators - such as Ecococon, Green Building Store, Melin Consultants, Dai Reese, NorDan UK and Zero Energy + Passivhaus - who are striving to make a difference to the UK’s built environment.
Special thanks to Huff and Puff Construction for submitting the project to the Passivhaus Awards - it was great to be part of the team!
At Hawkland, we offer ecological, purpose-led architecture and construction that focuses on low-carbon retrofit. We utilise the latest developments in sustainable design and bio-based materials. If you’re interested in what we do, book a free discovery session to find out more.