A housing construction framework has been launched by Norwich City Council which is geared towards helping more Passivhaus projects get off the ground throughout the UK.


Although “Fabric Fit” will mainly target local authorities and housing associations and projects in Norwich, there could be huge scope for those construction companies who are already working with in the innovative use of construction materials and building supplies in the Passivhaus arena.


The £300m framework follows the completion of a large number of Passivhaus projects in Norfolk as well as a large number of Passivhaus developments in the pipeline min the area (making Norfolk one of the UK’s Passivehaus centres for excellence).


The key objectives of the ‘Fabric First’ construction framework are to:

  • • facilitate delivery of projects within the available financial envelopes
  • • employ economical and quick method of construction
  • • provide value for money solutions, including consideration of whole life costs
  • • engage Constructors that have the capability where required to design and develop energy efficient buildings
  • • reduce the costs associated with risk in designing and building to Fabric First requirement
  • • enhance effective supply chain management
  • • provide access to sustainable construction expertise


There are three broad opportunities within the framework, covering different sizes of development to allow greater opportunities for smaller and medium sized contractors which contractors from throughout the UK will be encouraged to apply for the framework.


The deadline for expressions of interest is 28 May 2015. For further information and to express an interest, visit the Norwich City Council website.