Info
Project Details:
A Passivhaus-certified housing development providing 65 low energy affordable homes.
Images: Benedict Luxmoore, Kimbo Fidelo Sito.
Where we started
Plashet Road, Levitt Bernstein’s first Passivhaus-certified social housing project, has been completed for the London Borough of Newham. Providing 65 homes, including 74% family dwellings, this 100% affordable housing complex was conceived with sustainability at its heart, delivering low-energy homes in line with the council’s ambitions to reduce carbon emissions. The development also includes a nursery unit for the local community and a central courtyard for resident’s enjoyment.
The building achieved Passivhaus Classic certification.
Homes are surrounded by spacious green areas.
The project provides dual- and triple-aspect homes.
We are proud of having delivered 65 low energy homes at Plashet Road, a project driven with sustainability and passive principles at its heart. This development contributes to our fundamental values of delivering people-led, high quality sustainable housing that is inclusive and accessible.
Nicola Jaques, Associate at Levitt Bernstein
Plashet Road initial concept sketch by Tom Cubitt.
Design
The building has been designed to Passivhaus standards and has achieved Passivhaus Classic certification, the first of its kind delivered by Newham Council. This approach provides dual- or triple-aspect homes that optimise natural ventilation and daylight, supporting low carbon living while minimising maintenance costs for residents.
The site is surrounded on three sides by twelve mature plane trees, all of which have been retained. The building responds sensitively to the site’s context by setting back its footprint, providing spacious green areas between the new building and the street.
The homes are arranged around a central courtyard for communal enjoyment.
Twelve mature plane trees were retained.
The elevational treatment offers a modern interpretation of the surrounding vernacular, drawing on patterns and brickwork found in neighbouring streets. A continuous diamond pattern runs along the top of a red brick plinth, with detailing focused at the lower level of the building. This relates both to a human scale and the height of the existing tree canopy surrounding the site.
Extensive planting around the perimeter and a landscaped courtyard enhance biodiversity, further reinforcing the sense of the scheme being nestled among the trees.
A continuous diamond pattern runs along the top of a red brick plinth, inspired by the local vernacular.
The rigour of the Passivhaus standard helped focus on delivering a high-quality building, through quality checks of calculations, documentation and construction by the independent Passivhaus Certifier, Warm. The outcome will be low energy bills and low carbon emissions for residents, over the entire life of the building.
Will South, Passivhaus Designer at Etude
Core team
Gary Tidmarsh
Consultant
Nicola Jaques
Associate
Clare Murray
Studio Director
Victoria Harrison
Associate
