81 more Passivhaus homes for Newham Council

Newham Council is building on its Passivhaus commitments with its proposed 81-unit Greenhill Centre project in Manor Park, north London.

Newham Council is rolling out a second Passivhaus project as part of its Climate Emergency commitment, with the latest being 81 Affordable homes to the Passivhaus standard planned for a redevelopment site at the Greenhill Centre Site in Manor Park, north London. The project includes three residential blocks ranging from 5 to 8 storeys.

Greenhills Centre Newham Council/Greenhill Centre Passivhaus development for Newham Council. Image credit: HaworthTompkins

Newham Council made a climate emergency declaration in 2019 and its Climate Action Plan states a commitment to:

“Ensure that new build council homes target Passivhaus ‘classic’ standard, with minimum ‘Low Energy Building’ standard certification, as independently certified by the Passive House Institute, with the ability to reduce to the Passive House Institutes ‘Low Energy Building’ standard for constrained sites if necessary.”

In response to Newham Council’s declaration of a climate emergency, the new homes will be Passivhaus certified. Aside from the benefits that this will bring to the client, such as reducing the risk of fuel poverty, and a building compatible with net zero carbon, there are also a number of key benefits for future residents which include improved thermal comfort, good indoor air quality, low heating requirements and low energy bills.

HaworthTompkins Architects

Key Stats

No. of units: 81 affordable homes + gym facilities
Project stage: Planning permission granted December 2021
Anticipated start date: Spring 2022
Anticipated completion date: 2024

Form factor

Form factor decision-making at Greenhill Centre Passivhaus development for Newham Council. Image credit: HaworthTompkins

The design team is undertaking careful consideration of the project’s ‘form factor’. The design for the residential and gym blocks have been made as made as compact as possible to achieve a low form factor, which should help keep costs low.

The building envelope has been simplified and thermal bridges minimised through avoiding inset balconies, instead providing projecting balconies, and avoiding unnecessary steps in the façade. Designing projecting balconies reduced the perimeter of the external envelope by around 20%.

Shading strategy

Shading strategy at Greenhill Centre Passivhaus development for Newham Council. Image credit HaworthTompkins

Careful attention has also been placed on the window design, sizing and solar shading at the project to help minimise any potential overheating issues.