The houses were designed by MAST Architects and incorporate a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties. Of the 26 homes, six were constructed to a Passivhaus Classic standard, alongside 20 homes designed to achieve Platinum Level (Net Zero Regulated Energy) under Section 7 (Sustainability) of the Building Standards with features including triple glazing, air source heat pumps, solar PV & electric battery storage.

As Energy and Passivhaus Consultants, Carbon Futures was involved in this innovative project from the outset, developing both the Net Zero and Passivhaus energy strategies with the design team, ensuring they met their respective performance requirements.

In our role as energy consultants, we provided Thermal Bridge Calculations and ensured Building Regulation Compliance through the provision of SAP Calculations and Energy Performance Certificates. In addition, we carried out Daylight and Sunlight Calculations for the planning submission to assess the impact of the proposed development on the existing housing and daylight levels within the proposed houses and gardens.

As Passivhaus consultants, we were responsible for ensuring that the project achieved Passivhaus Classic certification from the Passivhaus Institute in Germany. Our role included hosting energy workshops, appraising the proposed design and undertaking the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) calculations.

The project is split into two different energy strategies. 6 plots were constructed to the Passivhaus Classic standard, which is a low energy building standard with rigorous quality standards that are independently assessed and accredited by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany. The remaining 20 homes were built to CCG’s Net Zero Homes standard, which sees a combination of a fabric first approach, married with a low carbon heating, renewables and energy storage.

All homes benefit from high levels of fabric performance, with triple glazing as standard. Air Source Heat Pumps ensure all homes have a zero direct emissions, low carbon heating system. The Passivhaus homes feature Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) and the Net Zero Carbon homes benefit from between 8-12 solar photovoltaic panels (PV) linked to 13.5kW Tesla Powerwall electric batteries.

As defined within Section 7 (Sustainability) of the Scottish Domestic Technical Handbooks, all dwellings achieve Silver Active Level accreditation as a minimum. The Passivhaus homes achieve Aspect Gold Level 1 (Carbon Dioxide Emissions) & Aspect Gold Level 2 (Energy for Space Heating) and the Net Zero Carbon homes achieve Aspect Platinum Level 1 (Carbon Dioxide Emissions).

______ Design Team

West Dunbartonshire Council
CCG (Scotland) Ltd
MAST Architects
G3 Consulting Engineers