2a Bramcote Drive, Beeston, NG9 1AW.
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Built between 2021-23 our two-story new build was conceived as a PassivHaus replacing an outdated 1960s bungalow. After investigating the options for retaining, enlarging and retrofitting it was decided that the project held more potential as a demolition and replacement project in terms of buildability, performance and flexibility.
Crucially, new-builds are zero rated for VAT, which swayed the financial arguments in favour of this option. Click HERE to read the architect's notes. The house includes the following features:
See below for more information about the features, which are listed in order of installation. [Information provided February 2026.] |
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1. INSULATED RAFT FOUNDATION
The foundation and ground floor were combined with the use of an insulated raft system. An insulated base with edge upstands creates a permanent formwork for a concrete raft which can support all the superstructure, thereby halving the amount of concrete over a conventional trench footing solid ground floor. |
Insulated raft foundation.
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2. GLULAM PRIMARY FRAME WITH TIMBER FRAME ENVELOPE
The superstructure avoids steel beams, masonry and concrete, instead opting for a Glulam primary frame coupled with a deep engineered timber frame envelope. |
Glulam primary frame with timber frame envelope.
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3. RECYCLED NEWSPAPER INSULATION THROUGHOUT
The 400mm deep voids were fully filled with Warmcel cellulosic insulation made from recycled newspaper, shredded, treated with a fire retardant and blown in under pressure to ensure it fills all the voids. |
Insulation board and filling.
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4. AIRTIGHT COATING
The insulation was internally lined with a special Sterling board coated with a green air-tight coating. This provide strength and air tightness in one and was carefully taped at all junctions and penetrations. All this wood based material sequesters a significant amount of carbon for the lifetime of the building, significantly helping to mitigate the impact of construction. Very good levels of air tightness is one of the most important and challenging things to achieve in a PassivHaus and was done with attention to detail at design stage and careful execution on site using specialist tapes and other products and is verified by air pressurisation tests. |
Airtight coating applied over Sterling board and taped junctions.
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5. AIRTIGHT TRIPLE-GLAZING
The high performance air-tight triple glazing units were made of engineered timber and lined with additional frame insulation externally behind rebated reveals to provide Class 4 air tightness. |
All windows with airtight triple-glazing.
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6. DUCTED HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM
Services are another important aspect of a PassivHaus and new options emerge over more conventional houses. An essential component is a ducted heat recovery system (MVHR) to retain over 90% of the heat normally lost to ventilation while ensuring a constant background supply of fresh air silently in the background. Space heating is unconventional. Instead of a heat pump, a duct heater is used where an electrical coil heats the ventilation air being distributed by the MVHR and at only 2.4 kW output it provides the majority of the heating requirements in a very compact and cost-effective unit. |
The ducts for the whole-house heat recovery system.
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7. SUPER-INSULATED CYLINDER AND SECONDARY SPACE HEATING
The hot water is provided by direct immersion heaters in a super-insulated cylinder. Additionally all three bathrooms have electric underfloor heating mats and towel radiators for occasional boosts and comfort. |
The super-insulated water cylinder.
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8. PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR PANELS
The large PV array of 28 panels provides 10.22 kWp and over 9,000 kWh/year. They are connected to the grid via a 3 phase supply and to the battery (see below). |
The photovoltaic solar panels.
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9. BATTERY
We have a Tesla Powerwall 2 battery, which provides on-site storage to better manage the generation, reduce peak time demand from the grid and minimise export. A 3 phase EV charger can charge capable cars at 22 kW. |
The Powerwall 2 battery.
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10. RETRACTABLE AWNING
During hot weather there is a risk of overheating from sunlight shining through windows. So we have a large retractable awning installed above the large sliding door, which faces south-west. We also have internal blinds on other windows which receive sunlight. By blocking the sun as much as possible and having a window opening strategy we can avoid overheating. The strategy to avoid overheating is to open the windows when it is too hot inside and cooler outside, such as overnight. We open the windows on opposite sides of the house, so that the air can blow through and cool the house fairly quickly. We also have motorised external black out shutters on the two roof windows. And the windows are designed to provide secure opening in tilt mode so they can be left open at night and when we’re out to support the cooling strategy. |
Looking out under the large retractable awning.
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11. RECYCLED PLASTIC TILES
We chose recycled plastic tiles for the roof and some of the walls. |
Recycled plastic tiles.
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BENEFITS
Energy use in round figure for 12 months to mid December 2025 based on Tesla and Octopus data:
So as well as being a very efficient, comfortable and healthy house it is an energy positive house by quite a significant margin – it pays to live here! This combination helps the house achieve PassivHaus Plus status (confirmed and pending) and, as can be seen from the figures above, it generates more than it uses over a 12 month period. This could well be the first PH Plus certified house in the East Midlands. |
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LESSONS LEARNED
This house is a delight to live in; my husband and I have been living here for three years now and continue to find it an easy house to live in. The passivhaus design ensures year-round comfort with little or no heating costs and spacious, open-plan living which is draught-free. Visitors comment on the light, airy feel inside the house - a result of the number and positioning of the windows and doors, and the efficient ventilation system. A motorised awning over sliding doors to the patio and internal blinds help manage the potential for over-heating on the hottest days of summer, as well as contributing to privacy in the home.
Anyone contemplating a passivhaus build should take expert advice and recognise that, as with any building project, timescales are flexible! Thanks to close cooperation between our architect and builder the actual building of the house was completed in a year. Deciding to have the garden around the house landscaped has added to our enjoyment and, from comments we receive, that of passers-by.
This house is a delight to live in; my husband and I have been living here for three years now and continue to find it an easy house to live in. The passivhaus design ensures year-round comfort with little or no heating costs and spacious, open-plan living which is draught-free. Visitors comment on the light, airy feel inside the house - a result of the number and positioning of the windows and doors, and the efficient ventilation system. A motorised awning over sliding doors to the patio and internal blinds help manage the potential for over-heating on the hottest days of summer, as well as contributing to privacy in the home.
Anyone contemplating a passivhaus build should take expert advice and recognise that, as with any building project, timescales are flexible! Thanks to close cooperation between our architect and builder the actual building of the house was completed in a year. Deciding to have the garden around the house landscaped has added to our enjoyment and, from comments we receive, that of passers-by.
Disclaimer: Please note that EcoTrail-NG9 aims to provide information as accurately as possible but the information on this page has been provided by the property owner.
