We design and build beautiful spaces for sustainable living
NEW BUILD
A DESIGN & BUILD SERVICE
It’s a dream, isn’t it? Getting to design and build your own project. Congratulations - and good luck. This is where the fun starts.
We offer an end-to-end design and build service. This means we can deliver every stage of your building project, from first ideas through to planning approval, construction and completion.
Sustainability is integral to any project we undertake. For a new build this means considering the building’s finished energy efficiency from the earliest stages of design.
As Passivhaus designers we understand how to maximise the performance of your building, carefully considering elements such as building shape, positioning and shading.
Our projects are all expertly crafted by experienced designers and skilled tradespeople. And because it’s all managed under one roof, nothing gets missed.
Thoughtful beautiful design
Our start point for any project is always you, our client. We want to deliver what you actually want.
We’ll spend time with you carefully considering what your goals are for your new build. If it’s a home, how will the design support your everyday lifestyle? If it’s a commercial or community space, how will the building serve those who will use it? In a new build project its easy to get carried away in the momentum of four meter wide bi-fold doors and forget to plan in where the laundry will be dried.
We pride ourselves on making sure the everyday details don’t get forgotten, so at the end of the project you get a building which not only looks beautiful but which is a joy to use as well.
Energy efficient modern buildings
We also want to deliver a building that is proudly sustainable, designed to the highest standards and built with care and quality materials.
Energy efficiency is an integral priority for us in any new build project we work on. When people think of a ‘sustainable’ or ‘eco’ building they often think first of one that generates its own electricity. While this is of course desirable, our primary focus will always be on the fabric of the building and making sure it loses as little energy as possible. After all, the less energy your home needs, the less you have to generate.
As Passivhaus designers we’re able to design and deliver your project to the highest possible standards in energy efficient building design and construction.
Natural materials in a new build.
We use natural materials wherever possible in all our projects. Not only are they better for the environment and safer to work with, they often deliver superior results as well. It might be easy to think that in a modern new build the best choice would be highly engineered synthetic materials. But in our experience these options often disappoint.
In contrast, natural materials offer tried-and-tested durability, natural ‘vapour open’ breathability and exemplary thermal performance. The result is a long-lasting, dry, warm sustainable space.
Natural materials are also better for your health. Many people don’t realise what a big impact internal air quality has on our health - and how poor internal air quality usually is.
The natural building materials and finishes we use in all our projects combined with whole house ventilation means your home will be as healthy to use as it is beautiful to look at.
"What can I say other than we are thrilled with our new home. Thank you for your ideas, advice, input and friendship."
Judith & Julian - Yelverton, New Build Home
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It all begins with an idea. Your new build journey with us will start with a chat on the phone followed by an initial meeting with our director, preferably on-site, to discuss your project. This first contact is always free and no-obligation.
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This first stage is where we take time to understand what you really want. We’ll carefully consider your goals and aspirations for the project, how much it might cost and what constraints the project may face along the way.
We’ll look into any potential planning permission or land use challenges and conduct a thorough feasibility assessment. At the end of this stage we’ll give you a cost estimate for both the design and construction phases of the whole project.
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This is where your design starts to really take shape. Using the information gathering in the previous stage we’ll work up some initial design options for discussion. We’ll involve you closely in developing your initial ideas into a final design you love.
We’ll then work with you to refine this vision into an application for planning permission. We’ll manage this process for you, liaising with engineers, specialists and independent planning consultants where needed, to make sure the process is as easy as possible.
At the end of this stage we’ll give you an updated cost estimate for the second stage of design as well as the project build.
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Once planning permission has been approved we will then develop your design further to include all relevant detail needed to actually build your project.
In this stage we create highly detailed technical plans that specify everything we’ll need to know in order to actually build your project. Materials, finishes, windows and structural loading are all things that will be finalised now.
At the end of this stage we will give you a final cost estimate for the build.
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We’ll prepare a contract, secure building control approval and make all last preparations for the build.
The construction process itself will be a seamless onward process from the design stage. We will manage everything ourselves and continue to involve you closely as the build progresses so you always know what’s going on.
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At the end of the build we will make sure final building control approval is secured, the building warranty is complete and any sustainability certification - such as Passivhaus or AECB - is signed off, where applicable.
As we handover your beautiful new building we’ll be on hand to address any concerns or questions you may have. We’ll make sure you understand what to expect from your new building and that you have all the information you need to feel confident taking over management of it.
Our process - new build
Selected projects
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![Newbuild house with black cladding built to Passivhaus standard]()
Yelverton - New Build
A stunning Passivhaus standard timber-frame new build nestled in the heart of Dartmoor.
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![Bright playroom with wooden dining table, chairs, bookshelves, colorful letters on the wall spelling 'PLAY', wall clock, map, potted plants, and child’s artwork displayed.]()
Colston Road - Retrofit
This whole-house retrofit is an exemplar of what can be achieved with an existing building.
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![The Hutong Cafe sign on building exterior with glass awning.]()
The Hutong Cafe - Retrofit
We did an extensive retrofit on this popular Plymouth cafe and the flat above, achieving Passive House EnerPHIT standard.
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![Modern living and dining area with exposed wooden ceiling beams, featuring a wooden dining table with chairs, a blue sectional sofa, a purple armchair, a wooden coffee table, and orange pendant lights. The open kitchen highlights orange backsplash and cabinetry. Large windows and indoor plants add brightness and greenery to the space.]()
Folleigh - Retrofit
This extensive retrofit transformed this 1950’s bungalow into a modern, low-energy and open plan home.
Ready to talk over your ideas?
Give us a call or drop us an email to get the ball rolling on your sustainable new build project. Any initial consultation or site visit is always free and no-obligation.