Having dreamed of undertaking a self-build for many years, the client found themselves in the position to have both the time and budget to make that dream a reality. They approached Glasgow-based architect, Heb Homes, with a brief to design a house with sustainability at its core. As a former landscape contractor, it was crucial for the client that the house’s contemporary design was contrasted by careful planting of trees, old English hedging and meadow areas, which help the building to blend seamlessly into its mature surroundings.

The client was determined to build a home fit for the future, capable of meeting environmental credentials well above current standards. The choice was therefore made to build to passive house standards, with each specification decision made to help meet this goal, from the Isoquick passive slab foundations to the triple glazed windows installed throughout.

JML SIPs supplied and installed the custom-designed SIPs kit at the client’s lake-side site near Norwich. SIPs was chosen as the ideal building material due to the superior thermal performance. Acoustic insulation was also added, resulting in a comfortable, quiet house with very low energy demand. Additionally, through the winter months, solar gain helps to heat the house.