By
Stuart Eatock
Unanimous approval of Passivhaus housing project in Worthing
Last night ECE received unanimous support from Worthing Borough Council for a new build Passivhaus scheme, providing emergency and temporary accommodation for families in need.
The project regenerates an existing council owned site in central Worthing, with eleven flats over three storeys. It is the first Passivhaus scheme undertaken by the council, and one of the first in the country for this type of accommodation.
This approach future-proofs the project while meeting the council’s own Net Zero Carbon targets, and will create a healthy, comfortable, and safe spaces for residents, at an affordable rate in both construction and ongoing utility costs.
Cllr Emma Taylor, Worthing Borough Cabinet Member for Housing, commented in support of the scheme:
‘The scheme enables the council to own, manage and maintain the accommodation. Meaning they have control over the quality, price point and environmental impact, whilst ensuring that families in need have access to somewhere that feels like home.’
Passivhaus is a voluntary building standard that can deliver a predicted 75% reduction in heating energy compared to the current building regulations. The building form, wall-to-floor ratio, aspect and window sizes have been carefully considered to achieve this. Detailing for airtightness, insulation and high-quality windows creates energy efficiency and low maintenance.
The architectural aesthetic will be a contemporary interpretation of the houses in the area, utilising weathered grey brick and green zinc roofing to sit comfortably with the adjacent Richmond Road conservation area. Communal gardens, with retained mature trees and native planting to enhance biodiversity, and on-site car and cycle parking are located to the rear of the site.
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