Demand has been huge for one of the biggest Passivhaus schemes in the UK is being built at Little Kelham.

According to Construction News, Bay Construct’s managing director, Paul Sanderson reported that people had been queuing at seven in the morning as the initial properties sold at the Little Kelham development.

The thing that makes this development one of the most unique in the country is that the houses are all being built to Passivhaus standards. Passivhaus has become one of the world’s leading brands in energy efficient property and in a world of soaring energy costs it would appear the public is demanding more saving from their properties.

 

Crucially the heating requirement in a Passivhaus is reduced to the point where a traditional heating system is no longer considered essential and it's estimated the residents will have their heating bills reduced by up to 90%. The homes are virtually airtight, super insulated and all come with triple glazed homes.

This development will see 153 homes completed in the Kelham Island area, which has perhaps previously been most famous for the Kelham Island Brewery.

The developer who had previously proposed to develop the site had permission for 300 homes; however the new owner, Citu came up with a new plan which features homes and commercial spaces for both retail and creative operations whilst also including public areas and community facilities.

Citu founder and managing director Chris Thompson commented of building the houses to Passivhaus standards: “This is the future of housing in the UK.”

Although Passivhaus standards are beyond the requirements of many residential and commercial properties at the moment, we're increasingly seeing the demand for more energy efficient products, with our clients' customers opting for the construction of higher than necessary specified properties and developments as the norm, rather than the exception.

 

This development represents a great investment in the city centre of Sheffield especially as it regenerates an area of post-industrial brownfield but perhaps more importantly it gives more visibility and credibility to the Passivhous standards which everyone throughout the UK could benefit from.