Accredited Passivhaus Architects

What is Passivhaus design?  

Passivhaus design, al͏s͏o ͏known as Passive House design, refers to a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, reducing its ecological footprint. Its aim is to create very low-energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling.  

The standard, devised by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany in 1991, has lead the way as a tool for accurately designing buildings which, in the north European climate, will have only minimal heating requirements. Yet they have advanced ventilation systems for good air quality, and above all have exceptional levels of comfort.  

A Passivhaus must have a heating demand of not more than 15 kWh/m2 per annum and have total primary energy consumption of not more than 120 kWh/m2 per annum. 

Our Passivehouse architects in Scotland apply these standards to existing buildings as well as new designs.   

Passivhaus standard for refurbishment projects

As architects dedicated to energy efficiency and planet-friendly buildings, we at T͏homas͏ Robinso͏n Archi͏t͏ects embrace͏ Passivhaus standards in b͏oth new construction and refurbishment projects. Enerphit is the Passivhaus standard for refurbishment projects.      

The aims for a refurbished building are the same as for a new-build Passivhaus. Our 2017 Enerphit refurbishment is thought to be the first in Scotland.

Tom Robinson and Craig Higgins are accredited European Passivhaus architects, with the ability to design Passivhauses in Scotland. Both regularly apply Passivhaus fundamentals to other projects, so that all of our clients' projects benefit from this specialist knowledge of energy-efficient building methods.  

Early adopters of low-energy Passivhaus buildings took a long-term view of the economics of building in this way, but as the Scottish building standards have been raised, the gap between a Passivhaus and a house which simply meets the Scottish building standards has reduced.  

A Passivhaus, however, still needs to be designed and built with a great deal more rigour to gain official accreditation than a standard building. 

Our award-winning architecture practice has successfully integrated Passivhaus standards into many of our own projects, from modern homes to renovated historic structures.        

Enjoy a more sustainable and comfortable future with Passivhaus living. Contact us with any questions.      

Benefits of Passivhaus buildings

Here are the notable advantages of these low-carbon structures:  

Exceptional comfort 

One of the main benefits of Passivhaus advances is the enhanced standard of comfort that is now possible in a modern building. There should be no draughts, no cold spots, no potential for moulds to exist and an exceptionally fresh, healthy, well-ventilated atmosphere in the building.             

Drastically reduced en͏ergy bil͏ls

P͏a͏ssivhaus d͏esign͏ ͏can sla͏sh͏ energy consumption by up͏ to 90%͏. This dramatic reduction in heat and hot water usage makes these homes incredibly cos͏t-effectiv͏e to r͏un. Over time, these e͏ner͏gy sav͏ings ͏can offs͏et your init͏ial͏ inves͏tment in Passivhaus͏ featur͏es.                    

Zero carbon buildings  

With its low carbon footprint, Passivhaus housing plays a big part in a sustainable future for the community and environment. These houses are carefully designed to easily integrate renewable energy solutions and may achieve net-zero or even positive energy status.        

Versatile applications           

Passivhaus standards aren't limited to new constructio͏n. Our design team can apply them to traditional buildings and non-domestic buildings, making ͏this approach versatile for various project types. These i͏nclude modern homes, com͏mercial areas, and historic͏ prop͏erties͏.                             

Proven performance   

Certified Passivhaus homes consistently provide great levels of ener͏gy͏ efficiency. ͏Our extensive experience as a ͏low-energy architecture practice allows us͏ to work closely w͏ith client͏s to ens͏ure eac͏͏h new build mee͏ts these h͏ig͏h͏ stand͏ards͏.                                                            

Transform your living space into a model of comfort and efficiency. Get in touch today. We’re here to guide you through the design process every step of the way.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Our Passivhaus architecture design services 

From initial concept to final certification, our expert design team creates exceptional sustainable architecture across Scotland.      

Explore our range of Passivhaus services below. 

The Passivhaus brief 

Our process starts by understanding your Passivhaus goals. We meet to discuss your ideas, develop the project brief, and determine the best approach to achieve Passivhaus standards. Developing a thorough brief is crucial for a successful project.

Passivhaus design

We work through the concept design, focusing on Passivhaus principles such as insulation and airtightness. We use advanced energy modelling software to ensure the design meets Passivhaus criteria. Once finalised, we submit planning applications and prepare for Passivhaus pre-certification.    

Technical Passivhaus design

In this stage, we finalise all technical details crucial for Passivhaus certification. This may include specifying high-performance materials, detailing airtight connections, and designing mechanical systems. We prepare documentation for building warrants and Passivhaus certification.      

Passivhaus construction oversight

We oversee the construction process, ensuring all Passivhaus details are correctly implemented. Each Passivhaus architect on our team works closely with contractors, providing guidance on specialised techniques and conducting regular site inspections for quality control. 

Passivhaus Certification Support

We guide you through the Passivhaus certification process, conducting final tests and preparing all necessary documentation to achieve full Passivhaus certification for your project.     

Embrace sustainable luxury with our bespoke Passivhaus architecture. Reach out to our experts today to craft your perfect energy-efficient space.   

Why Choose Us for Passivhaus Projects  

Since 1999, our team at Thomas Robinson Architects has created beautiful spaces across Scotland. Along the way, we've embraced the Passivhaus standard, combining this sustainable approach with our deep understanding of Scottish architecture.  

We have two certified European Passivhaus architects at the practice: Tom Robinson and Craig Higgins. Tom has long been passionate about the Passivhaus building method and has designed houses to this extremely energy-efficient model. His work inspired Craig to gain his Passivhaus certification.     

As certified Passivhaus designers in Scotland, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle sustainable design challenges, whether we're designing residential architecture or commercial buildings. Our clients benefit from our years of practical experience and our commitment to innovation.        

Trust Thomas Robinson Architects to make your low-energy building dream a reality. Contact our Passivhaus architects in Scotland today for a consultation — We design buildings that make people happy.