Hathaway Crescent, Social Housing

Project details:

Originally working for the client (London Borough of Newham) and then appointed by the main contractor (Higgins Partnerships) on this ~£30M scheme, we worked with the design team from Stage 2 to develop the designs for 72 apartments in three concrete frame blocks of up to eight storeys. The aim is to achieve the PHI Low Energy Building Standard. The client’s intention was to save some capital cost relative to Passivhaus, but in fact, due to the large size of the buildings, building to this lesser standard incurs similar costs and the building will perform to a very similar standard as Passivhaus Classic.

Involvement has included PHPP modelling and advice on building form, orientation, glazing, thermal envelope definition, U-values, construction, structure, thermal bridging, airtightness, air testing, heating, ventilation and hot water system designs. We also assisted with the drafting of the Employers Requirements.

The buildings are to be constructed in concrete frame with light gauge steel infill. Ground floor insulation is below slab and wrapped around the foundations down to pile cap. The design is for roof mounted air source heat pumps for heating and domestic hot water. The site is close to railways and therefore cooling by opening windows is not a practical solution so the design has developed with active cooling. Rejected heat from cooling in summer contributes to the hot water energy. Dwellings each have individual MVHR units for heat recovery ventilation.

Following detailed 2D and 3D thermal bridge modelling using the Trisco/Solido suite of software, we produced a RIBE Stage 4 report and full evidence pack for the Passivhaus Institute who are certifying the project at the end of 2023. Construction is due to commence early 2024.