05/01/2012 - Thomas Vale/Architype JV first to deliver Passivhaus Partnership

 MIDLANDS-BASED principal contractor Thomas Vale and Architype architects have formalised a joint-venture partnership to deliver combined skills and expertise in the design and build of the internationally established Quality Assurance standard Passivhaus, which is designed to minimise energy consumption whilst optimising the comfort of completed projects for end-users and occupants.

A common myth that ‘environmentally-friendly’ schools are not cost efficient, the partnership has just completed the UK’s first ever Passivhaus standard accredited primary schools for Wolverhampton City Council, at zero additional capital cost to that of traditional construction techniques and the so-called ‘standardised schools’ concepts.

Whilst the concept and expertise themselves are standard, the construction system allows for affordable project costs, reduced procurement times, energy savings of at least 80%, significantly reduced running costs and most importantly the ability for a learning environment project development team, including Designers, Professionals, Teachers, Governors and Young People, to have a truly bespoke design to ensure that end-user aspirations are realised.

Tony Hyde, Group Managing Director added: “Standardised schools are proving more and more expensive, not only that, they distract away from the learning establishments own identity, the schools values and its visions.

“The design process to deliver a bespoke, environmentally friendly and cost effective solution can only be achieved through the stakeholder’s involvement in the design and conceptual phases of a project. Standardised ‘off-the-shelf’ designs do not give the ability for integration in to a project in order for its full potential to be realised.”

The partnership works alongside all members of the team, including pupils, staff, governors and parents to allow them to become fully engaged in shaping the design of their buildings and environment. This, together with ongoing engagement of young people in art projects throughout the construction phases, creates a dynamic and rewarding educational opportunity.

Jonathan Hines, Director, Architype notes: “Passivhaus offers radically low energy consumption together with optimised comfort for occupants. We are convinced that designing to an energy target is a more logical and effective route to achieving carbon reductions that relying on carbon offsetting with micro renewables.

“In response to the challenge of the James Review, our Passivhaus Partnership offers ‘standardised’ yet individually unique, at a reduced cost delivered through an integrated BIMM process in partnership with all delivery team members, from concept to post-completion.”

The £10million Passivhaus schools are the culmination of a unique, five year collaboration of delivering highly sustainable projects between the two partners, including the UK’s first BREEAM Excellent mainstream school, the RIBA and Sorrell Foundation awarded St Luke’s Primary School in Wolverhampton.