Plas Huan is a new build, high end residential scheme in North Wales. Before Develeco’s involvement, the proposal was to construct the building traditionally, to the minimum Building Regulations compliance. Upon engagement, Develeco redefined the project brief in cooperation with the client. The building was reoriented so as to be south facing and a passive design analysis was undertaken, to understand the most energy efficient massing. A TM59 analysis was also undertaken, to ensure that daylighting and overheating levels will be in accordance with best practice. This was undertaken on a room-by-room basis. Where previously the building was projected to generate approximately 10tonnes of operational greenhouse gas emissions per annum, the revised building will be operationally net zero. Further, the building will achieve True (Whole Life) Net Zero within 25 years. This is achieved through low embodied carbon design principles and a large, south facing solar slate roof which will generate more than twice the building’s demand each year, with the surplus being exported to the grid through the use of smart battery storage.

The scheme is expected to be the first Passivhaus Premium building in the UK. The HVAC solution includes an Air Source Heat Pump with Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery. The ASHP will provide heating and high temperature hot water via an internal hydronic boiler. The construction budget is estimated to be in the region of £1.2m.