The Deerings featured on the Passivhaus Trust website
The Deerings is a detached Passivhaus that replaces a former bungalow, and is a contemporary addition to a traditional suburban street scene in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. This simple two storey rectangular form and design optimises its performance by adopting a ‘fabric first approach’ while also meeting the client’s space and lifestyle aspirations. Passivhaus formed part of the client's original brief.
Completed in October 2017, this was a joint project by Nicolas Tye Architects, who prepared initial plans and secured planning consent, and PHT member Gresford Architects, who developed the scheme through the detailed design and construction phases.
An open plan ground floor allows views of the garden through large sliding doors to the rear of the house across the living area flooding the interiors with natural light. A minimalist timber and steel staircase also allows light to pass through into the depth of the plan. The 5-bedroom home includes a cosy snug and a spacious home office tucked away behind a wall clad in ash battens. The ash cladding continues onto the ceiling of the living room creating a warm and cosy feel in contrast to the more open and light dining and kitchen areas.
