West Sussex low-energy home now complete

Elmer Passivhaus, a sustainable passivhaus home, designed by Ruth Butler, is now completed and the owners have settled into their new eco-friendly home.

The design features an upside-down house, with living spaces on the first floor to enjoy the views to the near-by sea.  Living spaces open onto a sheltered terrace, enjoying the warm southerly aspect.

Elmer Passivhaus has a prefabricated timber frame structure, is super insulated and is airtight to Passivhaus standards – (find out more about Passivhaus standards here).  It heralds a new era of low-energy housing to this West Sussex coastal area, providing super-comfortable living with cheap running-costs and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Ruth Butler Architects provided architectural services on this project encompassing feasibility study, concept design, developed design, planning, technical design, building regulations and technical support during the construction works.

The new owners are delighted with their new self-build home.

Our goal was a low energy, open plan design that optimised the sea view. The light and airiness of the upstairs living space and sheltered terrace has exceeded expectation in terms of flow, comfort and energy efficiency.

Find out more about our passivhaus design service

Some more detail on low-carbon features:

• Site within walking distance of shops and amenities
• Orientation maximises the use of daylight and sunlight for light and solar gain.
• A range of options for natural ventilation.
• Use of low embodied carbon ‘breathing’ timber construction.
• No dug foundations, and the house sits on a recycled polystyrene base
• Use of high insulation levels.
• Minimise cold bridging.
• High performance windows and doors.
• Zero energy passive night time cooling.
• Sustainably sourced timber.
• Adoption of water efficiency measures.
• Low energy light fittings.
• Photovoltaic panels.
• Landscaping to support local biodiversity.