The housebuilding industry currently finds itself in a rather transformative state. Ever changing and tightening regulations seem to be affecting most elements of a new build, all while the pressure mounts to build more homes, faster. Within this backdrop too is the want to stand out from the crowd, particularly for regional and SME housebuilders. Passivhaus properties and the like are on the rise, stretching what a house is capable of on the sustainability front.

With that in mind, enter Timber Innovations, an expert in timber frame and structural insulated panel (SIP) construction which has been at the forefront of low-energy and Passivhaus construction for 14 years. With a team of 30 experts, the company serves self-builders, developers, and main contractors.

One of Timber Innovations most recent projects was the Duck End Barns Passivhaus project in Cambridgeshire. This five-bedroom home combines sustainable design with natural materials, promoting health and wellbeing while achieving outstanding energy efficiency. Designed by Archangel Architects, it blends perfectly into its rural surroundings and sets a benchmark for sustainable living. Based in Cambridge, Archangel Architects is a leader in sustainable design. It focuses on Passivhaus and low-energy developments and has awarded-winning projects.

SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT was key to the award-winning Larsen Truss twin-stud wall system used in the build, recognised for its ability to reduce thermal bridging and simplify construction. As a structural OSB/3 panel with integrated vapour control and air barrier properties, SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is for use as structural sheathing in timber frame structures. The highly engineered OSB panels helped achieve the Passivhaus airtightness standard of 0.6 Air Changes per Hour (ACH) in the project, replacing traditional airtight membranes with an easier, more effective solution.

“SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT not only delivered the airtightness we needed but also made on-site detailing and installation much simpler,” said Joshua Perry, Project Lead at Timber Innovations.

Simplifying Passivhaus construction

Passivhaus construction demands rigorous performance for thermal bridging, thermal insulation and airtightness. The use of the advanced PHPD looks at the Duck End Barns Passivhaus project and how Timber Innovations and Archangel Architects partnered with MEDITE SMARTPLY to achieve Passivhaus excellence

OSB panel helps to meet these demands by simultaneously addressing both vapour control layer (VCL) and air barrier requirements. Airtightness is engineered directly into the OSB panel substrate, while SMARTPLY’s advanced surfacing technology ensures an integrated vapour barrier across the entire surface. By eliminating the need for separate membranes and reducing reliance on weather-dependent installations, the construction process is significantly streamlined.

“Our structures feature complex junctions that demand high-performance materials,” explains David Himmons, Managing Director at Timber Innovations. “SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT delivered exactly what we needed – simplified detailing and excellent airtightness results.” Aesthetic and environmental harmony

Timber Innovations brings a unique touch to low-energy homes with exposed or highlighted glued laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber (CLT).

These materials combine structural strength with the natural beauty of wood, adding warmth and character to architectural designs while emphasising sustainability and craftsmanship.

“Our reputation depends on delivering both high performance and exceptional design,” says Apos Petrakis, Architect at Archangel Architects. “Timber Innovations and its partners, including MEDITE SMARTPLY, helped us meet the rigorous Passivhaus standards but also enhanced the visual appeal of the project, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics.”

A vision for sustainable living Duck End Barns showcases thoughtful integration that is sensitive to its rural setting. Built on a previously developed farmyard, the home features a C-shaped layout that creates a sheltered courtyard while maintaining a discreet, low-profile aesthetic. The black timber roof and walls align with the agricultural context, seamlessly blending the home into its surroundings.

Key features of the Duck End Barns project:

1. Energy efficiency: Designed with low energy demand in mind, the project incorporates renewable energy solutions such as photovoltaic panels and ground-source heat pumps.
2. Sustainable materials: Timber was chosen for the frame and exterior finish, reflecting its recyclability and carbon-sequestering properties.
3. Water and waste management: The development integrates rainwater harvesting and on-site sewage treatment to reduce its environmental footprint further.

The Duck End Barns project is a great example of how forward-thinking materials like SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT, paired with outstanding architectural design, can deliver energy-efficient, sustainable homes. It reflects Timber Innovations’ dedication to raising the bar in low-energy construction while showcasing MEDITE SMARTPLY’s role in supporting the future of low-energy building solutions.

“Having worked with MEDITE SMARTPLY for over four years, we value the product quality and technical support that make construction projects like Duck End Barns possible,” adds David. “Our partnership exemplifies how innovative materials can transform construction practices, meeting sustainability goals while enhancing performance.”

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Only 3% of England’s houses are highly energy-efficient: Why aren’t developers embracing sustainable construction standards? 

As energy costs continue to rise, Passivhaus construction provides a promising solution  

Only 3% of England’s houses are highly energy-efficient: Why aren’t developers embracing sustainable construction standards? 

As energy costs continue to rise, Passivhaus construction provides a promising solution  

Data analysed by ventilation solutions provider Airflow has found that only 3% of England’s houses have an EPC rating of A or B, i.e. they are very energy efficient. This represents a rise of only 0.3% compared to the previous year, and just 2% in the last five years. 

Faced with net-zero targets in an ongoing energy crisis, the UK housing supply needs transformation. Passivhaus, the “gold standard” for energy efficient construction, emerges as a necessary solution. However, Passivhaus Trust estimates that only 1% of new homes are built to Passivhaus standards. 

The findings are revealed in their latest report, ‘Is Passivhaus achievable in the UK?,’ which explores the need for sustainable building standards in the UK, as well as the barriers to adopting these.  

Beyond government targets, the human impact of energy inefficiency is profound—a third of people in the UK find it difficult to pay their energy bills, highlighting the critical need for sustainable, cost-effective housing solutions. 

Despite the obvious benefits, what barriers prevent widespread adoption of this promising sustainable construction standard? 

The lack of interest in Passivhaus is due to several factors, including: 

• Higher upfront construction costs 

• Lack of expertise in Passivhaus design and construction 

• Perceived complexity of meeting Passivhaus standards 

• Absence of policy incentives 

It is true that the upfront investment for a passive house is higher than for a traditional build, by around 8%. Passivhaus Trust also indicates that by ‘considering further development of skills, expertise and supply chain maturity… extra costs could come down to around 4%.’ The construction of a standard three-bedroom semi-detached house costs approximately £133,000, according to The Housing Forum. Meeting Passivhaus standards would add between £5,320 and £10,640 to this project. 

The Housing Forum also estimates that a typical two-bedroom high-rise flat would be £225,000, meaning the additional cost of implementing Passivhaus standards would range from around £9,000 to £18,000. 

However, whilst there is an additional cost, long-term energy and maintenance savings narrow—and often outweigh—the initial cost gap.  

Debunking passive house myths 

In light of the barriers identified, Alan Siggins, Managing Director of Passivhaus Trust member Airflow, has responded to some of the most frequently raised myths surrounding Passivhaus. 

Passivhaus is more expensive than a traditional new-build. 

“It’s true that Passivhaus buildings typically have higher upfront construction costs than traditional new builds, however this difference can vary and the cost of projects has reduced over the years. Passivhaus Trust, which certifies passive house buildings in the UK, suggests that best practice costs were around 8% higher than similar non-Passivhaus projects in 2018. As Passivhaus design becomes more mainstream, we expect the cost to continue decreasing, as the industry gains more experience and the necessary materials and technologies become more widely available.” 

All elements of the building must be Passive House Certified products. 

“No, not all components of a Passivhaus building need to be certified Passivhaus products. Only the MVHR unit needs to be Passive House Certified. Passivhaus focuses on the overall performance of the building, rather than requiring the use of specific certified products.” 

You can’t retrofit Passivhaus. 

“Yes, it is possible to retrofit existing buildings to meet the Passivhaus standard, but it is challenging. Since passive house principles are harder to achieve in existing properties, the Passivhaus Trust developed the EnerPHit standard. The criteria for EnerPHit are more relaxed than those for Passivhaus, but meeting this standard still means that the building will likely outperform new builds for comfort and energy use.” 

Passivhaus is just about airtightness. 

“No, Passivhaus is not just about airtightness, although it is a key component. The Passivhaus standard encompasses a holistic approach to building design, incorporating strategies such as high-performance insulation, optimised window and door placement and MVHR. Air tightness is a part of this approach, as it allows the building to maintain indoor temperatures and air quality while minimising energy loss. However, there’s much more to it than that.”

While full Passivhaus certification isn’t always achievable, its principles, such as improved insulation, airtightness, and ventilation, can still be widely applied. These approaches, while they may not meet exact Passivhaus performance thresholds, can still deliver substantial energy savings and enhanced occupant comfort and health. 

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