Harpenden Passivhaus
Project Description
We are building a replacement dwelling on the site of an old bungalow. The new-build will be an all-electric timber frame 4 bedroom Passivhaus Plus using the βhomes as power stationsβ concept. This means it generates much more electricity than it uses and it can operate βoff-gridβ without need for grid electricity supply for much of the year, saving any excess in its battery system and further excess sold back to the grid. It affords the occupiers a warm and comfortable environment with constant fresh air. The designers bere:architects also designed our RIBA award-winning project Max Fordham House.
This property is also one of the first installs in the UK of a Pichler PKOM4 fully integrated 2 stage air source heat pump hot water cylinder with MVHR, heating and cooling through air, (air to air), heating through water (underfloor) and hot water as one item. It has been integrated into the Loxone smart home system. The property takes its water from a well and has a huge rainwater harvesting tank which supplies toilets and the washing machine. A 3 stage waste water recycling centre was installed to treat sewage. The resultant βgrey-waterβ is used to irrigate the garden and surrounding fields.
Light and heating sensors in the house communicate with the smart home system which automatically operates the external shutters on windows to regulate internal temperatures. Installing a sprinkler system in a timber frame house also brought complications and required integrated auto water shutoff with four water sensors around the house. If any of the bathrooms or utility room leak water, it auto shuts of water for whole house to prevent damage to the timber frame or insulation.
βThis house is cosy and comfortable but in a natural way. Our old house was of similar scale, area and build and if you wanted to heat a room you had to blast it and the air would then be very dry and that heat would quickly leak out.β
βThe house definitely meets expectations and exceeds them in some areas, the heat comfort is very big, the noise is much less than it was, overall very happy with it.β
“Your guys did a very good job on the [window] installation, nice and precise and the assemblies fitted perfectlyβ¦.Very good silicon application too, with a nice 5mm joint. So please do thank them on behalf of Cristina and myself. We are very pleased.”
“Rafael is very familiar with the latest building technologies and is always on hand to offer suggestions and advice on the practicalities of achieving the desired end product.”
“I have enormous respect for Bow Tie as a contractor: Itβs a real pleasure not having constant battles and headaches from a builder trying to do the bare minimum.”
Interested in working with us?

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