The Deerings, a new build modernist certified passivhaus, is a brave addition to a traditional suburban street scene in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. This striking five-bedroom home, built by Passivhaus experts Gresford Architects, is a sympathetic response to its urban setting and sits comfortably alongside its more traditional neighbouring properties.

Far removed from the former bungalow that sat on the site, the building has been designed to optimise its performance by adopting a ‘fabric first approach’ while meeting the client’s aspirations in terms of space and lifestyle. The house was built from a super-insulated timber frame, which was constructed off-site by MBC Timber Frame. The frame was supplied with insulation and airtight membrane, and erected on a passive slab, also provided by MBC. The frame went up in 3 weeks, significantly speeding up the overall programme, and minimising wastage and disturbance to neighbours. Recycled paper insulation and timber cladding externally was chosen to reduce the carbon footprint of the building, minimising the use of concrete and steel to less than 10% of the total volume of the building.

A beautiful open plan ground floor now encapsulates the warmth and character of the house and a well-proportioned first-floor layout allows for five double bedrooms.