• Passivhaus Architects

Architecture Services

Passivhaus Architects

Passivhaus is a set of criteria which delivers a considered approach to designing and optimising buildings to create living spaces which are supremely comfortable with a firm focus on living an energy efficient, healthy lifestyle.

We are accredited Passivhaus architects and are passionate when we design buildings, bringing low energy bills, constant fresh air, superior internal comfort and peaceful and quiet interiors to every building.

So much more than just a world-leading energy efficiency and thermal performance indicator, being Passivhaus architects means that we are meticulous in the planning stages to ensure that the resulting construction excels on every level.

Passivhaus Design Principles

When using Passivhaus design principles, the following criteria must be met:

  • Airtightness – max of 0.6 air changes per hour
  • Thermal comfort must be met all year around for each and every living area with an internal temperature not exceeding 25 degrees
  • Total energy use must not exceed 60kWh per square metre of internal floor area annually
  • Space heating energy demand must not exceed 15kWh per square metre of floor area per year

Adopting a Passivhaus approach to architecture requires commitment from the entire team involved in your build. From the architects to consultants and all the way through to the contractors, every stage of the design and build must be carefully considered in order to meet the requirements of Passivhaus design.

A Comfortable Home

Whether you are building a brand-new contemporary home or enhancing the design of a heritage building with contemporary additions, a Passivhaus approach holds enormous benefits. A Passivhaus home is built to maintain a constant comfortable temperature all year around throughout the property with filtered air, providing warmth and comfort in the winter months, whilst being cool in the summer. As well as this, a Passivhaus delivers the potential to use up to 90% less energy than conventional builds, which means that very little heating/cooling is need to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Are you looking for a Passivhaus architect based in Devon or Bath? Get in touch and let us help you explore the energy-saving potential of a Passivhaus designed building.

A Passivhaus property is achieved with well considered architecture and design, high quality thermally efficient construction materials and a commitment to building a better home.

Other Services

  • 01Architecture

    We deliver beautifully functional contemporary properties with a focus on eco-friendly design which ensures longevity for future generations.

    We create buildings which are a joy to experience and which have a positive impact on people’s lives. Our designs are thoughtful and innovative, and we especially love challenging projects which fire our creativity.

    Find Out More

  • 02Sustainability

    Whether you need extra space at home or are developing a commercial site on a grand scale, we gently guide you through the entire process.

    We deliver innovative buildings that put the environment at the centre of design, incorporating intelligent energy saving solutions to meet the demands of each project and take pride in our sustainable methods of working.

    Find Out More

  • 03BIM

    We embrace technology and are constantly striving to be at the forefront of new developments.

    Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) software to generate a 3D model of your property, means we can assess how it will look and function from the outset. This technology enables us to carefully analyse structure and form, ensuring potential mistakes are remedied before arriving on site. We can even link the model to a virtual reality headset to allow you to walk around your building virtually prior to build.

    Find Out More

  • 04Planning

    Planning is one of the most important stages of a project, and we’re well-versed in the rules and regulations involved in this vital process.

    We can help steer the whole planning permission procedure (including retrospective applications and appeals), as well as advising on building control and whatever else it takes to get your project out of the ground. As well as designing your property, we can help to guide you through any applications, approvals and negotiations with statutory bodies which might be required as the design develops.

    Find Out More

  • 05Interior Design

    At Ercle we work holistically to ensure that the whole space works for you, interiors included.

    We believe that a property’s interior design goes hand-in-hand with the architecture itself and the two elements hold equal importance. Space planning, furniture and joinery designs, lighting design and interior finishings are all crucial aspects when creating buildings with character both inside and out. We offer a complete interior design service to ensure that the vision is able to continue through into the living spaces of your abode.

    Find Out More

  • 06Heritage

    We start with a deep understanding of a building’s heritage and interpret the historical context when redesigning listed buildings.

    We work sympathetically with the building to bring about a space which looks forwards whilst not forgetting its past. We love the challenge of incorporating modern insertions into a historical setting to show the clear definition between old and new.

    Find Out More

  • 07Visualisation

    Visualise your project

    A integral part of architecture is understanding the spaces we inhabit and by using computer generated models alongside virtual reality we can envision these spaces before they are even built. We can then in real time, alter the built form, testing choices and accurately seeing the results of these design changes

    Find Out More