Projects

Clapham, South London

Nestled in the heart of a conservation area in South London is a stunning self-build, a three storey, four-bedroom family home.
IMG-20170118-WA0002
Made In The UK
Client
Mr Springer
Location
Clapham, London
Units
1
M2
119
Delivery Method
Structural Thermal Envelope
U Value - Walls and Roof
0.11 W/m²k
U Value - Roof
0.09 W/m²k
Air Tightness
0.53 hm²@50Pa

The detached property is approx. 119 sqm with brick render in between a timber frame to conform to strict planning regulations for the area.

Given its location in a busy part of Clapham, access to the site could have proven challenging for the delivery and erection of the timber frame panels, as no mechanical lifting gear could be used. This usually problematic situation merely highlighted the simplicity, flexibility and scalability of the Beattie Passive Build System as we have been able to manoeuvre the frame, panels and all other elements by hand.

“I really wanted to be part of the process and have that hands-on sense of satisfaction of being truly involved with building my own home. It’s given me a real bond with the house as I know exactly how it has all been put together. I’ve been really impressed with the overall team effort and everyone has made an excellent contribution to the whole process. Having the builders’ experience plus flexibility of the Beattie Passive system makes a great combination!”
Mr Springer
Client

Interview with the client:

When and why did you start out planning to build your own home?

I had carried out a previous renovation project and given the work involved, thought that if I ever I went down this route again, it would be for a new build only. The plot is the end of a family owned property in South West London with a large garden.

What led you to choose Passivhaus?

I had visited an open house in London which had
been built to Passivhaus standards and was really impressed with the concept and performance, particularly for energy efficiency, in comparison to a traditional build. I have a young daughter and wanted to offer the best living environment for her and believe Passivhaus was the way to do this.

How did you hear about Beattie Passive?

I went to the EcoBuild event and visited the Passivhaus Trust stand. I spoke with a few of the representatives and having outlined the type of property I wanted to build, was recommended to contact Beattie Passive. I have been very impressed with the communications from the outset.

How have you found the Beattie Passive design process?

The house is being built in a conservation area so there were tight restrictions and criteria imposed on the house design, all of which Beattie Passive could easily accommodate in their design and build solution.

What has impressed you so far with the build process e.g. speed of frame delivery and erection and the way the frame is manufactured (e.g. using the prison service)?

I’ve been very impressed with the speed and simplicity of the system. I believe the manufacturing process is definitely the way forward. This combined with the accuracy and testing of the frame when delivered, adds real value to the system.

I have also been impressed that Beattie Passive takes such a proactive approach in bettering lives within the community, from teaching important life skills, for example, to training people how to manufacture and install the structure.

Is there anything that has been a surprise about the project?

Flexibility of the build: I originally thought some of the curved walls would be a problem for the system but Beattie Passive had a solution for all options and any challenges were resolved swiftly.

What are you looking forward to about your new home?

Sound quality – even though the house is detached, it’s in a busy part of London so it will be interesting to see how quiet the inside of the property will be. I’m also curious to see the new level of my energy bills each month as I expect them to reduce significantly which in turn will reduce my carbon footprint.

Why did you decide to take holiday to be involved with the project and what have been the main benefits?

I really wanted to be part of the process and have that hands-on sense of satisfaction of being truly involved with building my own home. It’s given me a real bond with the house as I know exactly how it has all been put together. I learnt a lot especially from John who is extremely knowledgeable and answered all the many questions I had for him!

Is there anyone at Beattie Passive that stands out to you?

The team on-site has been great, as has Ron who has been to London on many occasions and even joined in on the build. I’ve been really impressed with the overall team effort and everyone made an excellent contribution to the whole process. Having these builders’ experience plus the flexibility of the Beattie Passive system makes a great combination!