Peals Pond - - Passivhaus Plus dwelling in Ealing
the dwelling is set back from the road to protect tree roots
a large roof solar array will provide for all energy use
living spaces are sheltered behind a veranda in all weathers
excessive summer gains are prevented by deep overhangs
an oriel window to the study forms an entrance canopy
This ’hidden’ plot in central Ealing is being tested for a new three-bedroom private dwelling, designed to meet the Passivhaus standard but aiming to go beyond the classic certification with on-site energy generation via a solar PV roof array. Large overhanging eaves and a veranda on the south garden-facing façade will help combat a future warming London microclimate by limiting overheating risk. After evaluating the existing chalet bungalow on plot as an EnerPHit retrofit scheme, the decision was made on cost grounds to pursue a demolish and replace option instead. A full planning application was submitted in July - a decison is still awaited.
Brook Lodge Farm Passivhaus - rural dwelling achieves Passivhaus certification
the west-facing facade is clad in cedar and aluminium framing
frameless corner glazing overlooks the entrance approach
smaller windows give light to ensuites and stairs
the structural floor slab was exposed and polished ...
while views are framed in ply and protect by louvres.
birch ply joinery is built in to bedrooms ...
while microcement ...
lines the wet spaces.
open plan kitchen diner features waterfall worktops
This cedar shingle-clad, rural dwelling has received confirmation of certification to the Passivhaus standard from the PHI. Developed from a sketch concept design by architect Nic Pople, Awen Design Director, Mark Elton, has taken the project from planning through the technical design and construction phases – where the owner oversaw the build herself despite being complete self-build novice! The insulated raft substructure and twin-stud timber frame were supplied and constructed by MBC Timber, while triple- and quadruple-glazed Internorm windows with integral blinds were used to manage heat losses and gains via the predominantly west-facing facade. The interiors feature polished concrete and oak industrial parquet floors, combined with lime plaster walls, microcement wetroom linings and birch plywood joinery to create calm and contemporary spaces that the client loves.
Lancaster West Estate (Lot 1) - the 'deep' retrofit of a '70s social housing estate
In the shadow of Grenfell Tower...
368 homes in three 1970s 'finger' blocks...
connected via communal access streets - once external but later...
covered in by roof lanterns.
Our retrofit measures focus on insulated facade upgrades...
high performance replacement windows or doors, and ...
heat recovery ventilation to maximise healthy living.
Fire safety has, of course, been foremost in all design considerations ...
including the addition of sprinklers throughout all homes ...
and non-combustible material upgrades ...
to all balconies and terrace gardens.
Heat pump-powered communal heating systems will be discretely hidden ...
in the refurbished 'internal' facades, alongside improved smoke vent protections.
In 2023, Awen Design were appointed to oversee architectural proposals for the 'deep' retrofit of the mid-rise residential social housing next to the site of Grenfell Tower for the Lancaster West Neighbourhood Team. The scheme will see a comprehensive transformation of the existing 368 flats and maisonettes with external brick slip-faced insulation measures, replacement high-performance windows and doors, integration of a communal heating network and individual heat recovery ventilation systems. The refurbishment will tackle the complexities of the multi-facetted façade with residents in situ but, most significantly, will learn from the lessons of the past in terms of maximising fire safety in all interventions. The proposals were put to residents through a comprehensive engagement programme where there was support for the designs broadly speaking. Planning consent was successfully achieved at the end of July 2025 and Awen Design's engagement moved on to the technical design stage, working alongside contractor Amber Construction to develop detailed specifications and designs responding to the complex needs of retrofitting with residents in place.
The blocks feature generous communal access ‘streets’ that are sheltered but unheated spaces with double-glazed roof lanterns. The retrofit measures will therefore also incorporate wall and soffit non-combustible insulation to these inward-facing facades along with upgraded automatic smoke vent controls, fire alarm systems, replacement fire doors and new sprinkler systems. A communal heating system, served by a nearby roof-mounted heat pump array, is also being integrated discreetly to the interiors with glazed tiled finishes, fibre cement panelling, acoustic linings and new lighting proposals. Residents have been engaged in the design since the outset and their contributions are on-going with respect to these internal finish and strategic choices. For example, where possible the opportunity is being taken to reduce concrete upstands at flat entrance thresholds to improve accessibility to these dwellings for residents and their visitors. Elsewhere, balcony guardrails have been designed in such a way that an option exists to increase the guarding height for vulnerable residents.
As well as the energy efficincy and fire safety improvements, the opportunity is being taken to improve resident options for handling waste and recycling. Whilst existing general waste chutes are being retained, as requested by residents, new food waste terminals are also being introduced at entrances, along with readily accessible dry recycling terminals. New staircases are also being integrated to each block to provide safe and easy access for operatives to the roofs for maintenance purposes. Awen Design are now working closely with the supply chain as architect and principle designer to achieve the highest standards of thermal bridge-free junctions and airtightness in the detailed design packages, ahead of a likely start on site in spring 2026.
Farmstead Road - Passivhaus design support services
Awen Design worked with Buxton Construction to provide Passivhaus Designer support services for their scheme in Farmstead Road, Beckenham, south London. This scheme, designed by Metropolitan Workshop to the PHI Low Energy Building standard delivered flat accommodation across 4 separate blocks to meet the 30kWh/sqm/yr space heating demand criteria. AWD provided the PHPP analysis and worked with the Contractor to provide Home User Guidance at hand over.
