Proposed Passive House Project for Potential Energy Efficiency
)House in Dulwich: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Sustainability
Finished by RDA Architects, a new build resides in Dulwich, Southeast London – a home that's not only PassivHaus certified but harmonizes with the local Arts & Crafts architecture.
PhotosTim Soar
The property replaces an aged '30s building, marking the third collaboration between RDA founder Richard Dudzicki and the same client.
RDA's task was to produce a modern design that harmonized with the neighborhood's established character, all while delivering an energy-efficient powerhouse. "This venture presented a quandary," admits Richard. "The conservation area's stringent regulations didn't favor contemporary proposals. We devised a compromise: a dual-facade house, maintaining the traditional Arts & Crafts appearance from the street, while modernizing the rear to cater to a contemporary living space."
The creation is an ode to traditional materials and advanced building technology, receiving Passivhaus certification through high-performance insulation, cross-laminated timber (CLT) structures, and cutting-edge energy systems. A sloping rooftop houses solar panels, mirroring the original's form while catering to modern power needs.
On the front side, a perforated brick facade reflects the Arts & Crafts tradition. Inside, it veils a shower window in the master suite, offering privacy without disrupting the vintage aesthetic. Floor-to-ceiling glazing illuminates the interior and allows garden views, flooding open-plan living spaces with daylight.
The Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) system nurtures a steady flow of fresh air, minimizing heat loss. House chimneys serve as vents for the MVHR unit, expelling stale air and drawing in fresh air. This integration complements an air source heat pump, smart technology, and ingenious energy systems to optimize warmth, hot water, and ventilation, ensuring efficiency and user-friendliness.
Basement integration, rooflights, and deep-seated window reveals heighten thermal efficiency, while solar shading shields against overheating in warm weather. The house's unique orientation maximizes winter solar gain and safeguards living areas against summer heat.
CLT was a linchpin in the project's environmentally-friendly strategy. Pre-fabricated off-site to minimize waste and transportation emissions, its modular construction streamlined the building process and minimized the carbon footprint.
Credits
Architect - RDA ArchitectsCivil and Structural Engineer – Michael Hadi AssociatesEnergy Consultant - EcosphericAirtightness Tester/Consultant - Airtesting LTDPassive House Certifier – MEAD ConsultingBuild System Supplier - Eurban, Wall, floor & roof insulation – Kingspan Insulation, Additional wall insulation – Rockwool, Glazing/Windows and doors – Josko
Extra Images and Drawings
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Insights:
- Sustainable Design: The project effectively balances modern sustainability with traditional architectural styles, creating a unique harmony that respects the neighborhood's heritage while embracing contemporary living.
- Design Constraints: The home is nestled in a Conservation area with strict preservation guidelines, requiring designs to be influenced by the surrounding Arts & Crafts style. This necessitated a dual-faced layout, featuring a classic facade and a contemporary, open-plan interior.
By melding old and new in a creative, thoughtful manner, RDA Architects showcases their deft ability to merge historical context with modern sustainability goals, crafting a luxurious eco-friendly abode in an urban setting with strict preservation regulations.
In this sophisticated Dulwich property, technology and sustainability harmoniously blend with traditional environment and Arts & Crafts lifestyle, resulting in a home that prioritizes energy-efficient living within a vintage aesthetic. The home-and-garden space caters to modern lifestyle needs while highlighting the significance of sustainable living, accentuated by elements such as Cross-laminated timber (CLT) structures, solar panels, and Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems.
