Properties at New Elivia Homes Development to Meet International Passivhaus Standard

Properties at New Elivia Homes Development to Meet International Passivhaus Standard

Elivia Homes has started work on a collection of highly sustainable properties in the West Sussex village of Fittleworth, including a range of homes that will meet the world-leading Passivhaus standard for energy efficiency. 

The development of 14 two, three and four-bedroom homes will be one of Elivia Home's most sustainable developments to date, embracing a whole-building approach with clear, measured carbon reduction targets and featuring a host of energy saving solutions. 

Each property will feature an air source heat pump, advanced fabric insulation, hardwood timber windows and EV charging points to selected plots. The Passivhaus properties will additionally incorporate triple glazing and a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery system (MVHR) to provide a continuous source of purified ventilation. Moreover, several garages and car ports will feature Sedum roofs to help boost thermal performance, improve drainage flow, and encourage biodiversity. 

The Passivhaus standard aims for the highest levels of comfort for homeowners whilst using minimum energy for cooling and heating, with the homes maintaining an almost constant temperature. The standard prioritises low energy bills, constant fresh air, superior internal comfort, and high levels of thermal retention. The Passivhaus properties will be built well ahead of the standard level of airtightness required by current building regulations. 

Elivia Homes' new development, which will be known as Hawkin's Field, is being delivered in partnership with South Downs National Park Authority and having sought considerable consultation with Fittleworth Parish Council. The Passivhaus Standard homes are being built for housing association - Worthing Homes. Elivia Homes will over deliver to provider 3 Passivhaus Homes, being two more than was required in the planning approval. 

The development will also feature significant net biodiversity gain with green open space, tree planting and the retention and enhancement of an existing pond. 

Kevin Wawman, Managing Director of Elivia Homes Southern, comments: "I'm delighted that construction work is now underway at Hawkin's Field in Fittleworth. This innovative development is the result of a partnership between Elivia Homes, South Downs National Park Authority, Fittleworth Parish Council and Worthing Homes and demonstrates how a traditionally designed development in a rural location can embrace modern, low carbon living. Working to the strongest standards set by Passivhaus puts us at the forefront of sustainable development and will help inform our future approach to delivering low carbon, energy efficient homes at scale." 

Fittleworth is situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park surrounded by an area of natural beauty. The development is expected to launch to the public in November 2022.