Low carbon architecture for a Passivhaus design in Gorefield, Wisbech

A contemporary interpretation of the popular barn-style, this two-storey dwelling was created for the client who was passionate about low-carbon living. Designed by James Burton of Swann Edwards Ltd, a two-storey five-bed dwelling was created with:

• a car port and associated poly tunnel,
• a wood store/potting shed,
• a green house
• a chicken coup
• a pond/reed bed

The solution to this potentially ‘big ask’ project was to use Passivhaus design standards alongside traditional site analysis design strategies to ensure holistic approach that all possibilities for sustainability into account.

The layout of the dwelling and site was designed, positioned and orientated to maximise solar gain with ancillary accommodation located to the North. The proposal featured a large footprint in an attempt to reflect the agricultural nature and features of the area.

With an approximate total floor space of 430m², a ridge and eaves height of 9.5m and 5.3m respectively, the dwelling represents a contemporary interpretation of a barn development, with the materials being a mixture of brick and timber cladding (walls) and a combination of slate and zinc standing seam (roof) with photovoltaic (solar PV) to the south elevation and air source heating and hot water.

The site, located within open countryside, previously functioned as agricultural land and was approved under paragraph 79 of the National Planning Policy Framework as being truly innovative for the district.

Through detailed natural landscaping the scheme retains and enhances the site’s biodiversity, achieved by:

• retaining the existing native boundary hedgerows and many trees – providing habitat corridors
• planting of a coppice an orchard we well as numerous screen trees of varying varieties
• provision of owl and bat boxes around the site

Furthermore, the intended shelter planting and the introduction of a pond/reed bed increases and enhances the sites biodiversity.

Established in 2011 Swann Edwards is an architectural practice based in Guyhirn, Wisbech.

The practice works on a huge variety of different architectural projects including: residential; industrial and commercial; eco-friendly; community, and educational schemes.

A market leader in Cambridgeshire when it comes to environmentally friendly and low carbon architecture, the firm’s director, James Burton, became a certified Passivhaus designer in 2014 and designed the first Passivhaus dwelling in the Fenlands. The Passivhaus concept delivers ultra-low energy buildings that focus on conserving resources and maximising occupancy comfort.

T: 01945 450694  W: www.swannedwards.co.uk

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