Passive house featuring charcoal-lined bedrooms and concealed amenities hits market for £2.15 million sale
**Unique Design Features and Benefits of the Somerset Passivhaus**
In the heart of Somerset lies a remarkable residence that showcases sustainable living at its finest. The Passivhaus, nestled within nearly four acres of rewilded meadows and orchards, is a testament to the harmonious blend of modern architecture, energy efficiency, and comfort.
**Bedrooms**
The bedrooms, positioned along the north-easterly length of the house, are designed for restful sleep and energy efficiency. The superior airtight construction, a hallmark of the Passivhaus standard, ensures minimal heat loss. Internal partitions between bedrooms and other rooms are constructed with clay boards, both for non-structural walls and mixed with Fermacell for structural walls, significantly reducing sound transfer. The use of clay boards also increases thermal mass, helping to stabilise indoor temperatures and reduce the risk of summertime overheating.
**Open-Plan Living Kitchen**
The open-plan living spaces, including the kitchen and dining area, are visually and physically connected to the outdoor environment through large windows. The design emphasises a warm, natural aesthetic with clay plaster walls and a wood-paneled ceiling, while the open flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas supports modern living and social interaction. The entire space benefits from rigorous insulation and an airtight OSB layer internally, ensuring minimal heat loss and optimal comfort year-round.
## Benefits of the Passivhaus Design
The Passivhaus design offers several advantages, including ultra-low energy bills, consistent comfort, a healthy indoor environment, acoustic privacy, and climate resilience. The property's exceptional airtightness and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery ensure fresh, filtered air at all times, reducing allergens and pollutants. The increased thermal mass and careful material choices help mitigate overheating, a growing concern with climate change, while supporting year-round comfort.
## Summary Table: Key Features and Benefits
| Area | Key Design Features | Main Benefits | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Bedrooms | Clay board partitions, Fermacell, airtight detailing | Acoustic privacy, stable temperatures, comfort | | Open-Plan Living Kitchen | Large windows, clay plaster, wood ceiling, open flow | Daylight, connection to nature, social space | | Whole House | Timber frame, wood fibre insulation, OSB airtightness | Ultra-low energy use, healthy air, quiet, resilient to climate |
The Somerset Passivhaus demonstrates how careful design and material choices can deliver not just energy savings, but also exceptional comfort, health, and quality of life. This remarkable residence, available for enquiry on The Modern House website for £2.15m, sets a benchmark for sustainable residential architecture in the UK.
[1] https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/ [2] https://www.themodernhouse.com/properties/passivhaus-somerset [3] https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/resources/passivhaus-primer [4] https://www.themodernhouse.com/blog/the-passivhaus-primer-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-worlds-leading-energy-efficient-standard
- For a unique storage solution, consider using underground spaces or integrated nooks within the Somerset Passivhaus design.
- The extension of the master bathroom could include a solar-powered water heater and energy-efficient fixtures for sustainable living.
- The roof of the Passivhaus could be designed with solar panels to generate renewable energy for the home-and-garden.
- Instead of traditional flooring materials, opts for cork or moisture-resistant bamboo, both eco-friendly alternatives that also offer comfort and durability.
- For a guide on sustainable-living ideas, check out resources like data-and-cloud-computing solutions that can help track energy usage and reduce consumption.
- The kitchen could feature energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting, creating a functional space that supports modern lifestyles while being mindful of energy consumption.
- The use of energy-efficient windows and doors in the Passivhaus design helps minimize heat loss and reduce energy bills.
- Tools like triple glazing and low-e coatings can help improve the energy efficiency and insulation of windows and doors in the Passivhaus.
- In the project planning stage, consider the integration of smart heating and cooling systems to maintain a comfortable living environment with minimal energy waste.
- The heating system could be designed with zoning capabilities and high-efficiency boilers, ensuring targeted temperature control and lower energy usage.
- Upon moving into the Passivhaus, reconsider your daily habits to take full advantage of the energy-efficient design, and embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes sustainability and comfort.
