We have always been keen to take on ‘deep green retrofit’ projects. Provided they are deep enough, green enough, and have scope for some architectural fun and games we are keen.  But over recent years, mostly down to the dreaded VAT (the situation re VAT on green refurb projects is a subject for its own discussion….) our clients lucky enough to face the choice between knocking down and re-building, vs saving what they have and improving its performance to somewhere near EnerPhit energy consumption, have opted for the former.  It's easy to see why.  Cost certainty is so very valuable in its own right and so elusive when dealing with existing buildings.

But we all know the dire need for improving existing stock and, like electric buses, three Clients who have been prepared to face the VAT bill in the interest of the environment, have all come at once!

We are well on the way to completing the re-model and energy upgrade of Dewdown Lodge in the Chew Valley, and have submitted planning for a bungalow re-shape in Easton-in-Gordano and a former cowshed in Bradford-on-Avon.

We are delighted to be teaming up with The Green Register once again to offer an Introduction to Sustainable Construction - the first of a series of half-day Futureproof training events, which are run 'By Builders For Builders'.
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We'll be returning for a second look at the new build housing scheme for Somewhere Housing Association in Bedminster, Bristol.  Alongside fellow local contractors Earthwise, we will talk about how our method of working results in high quality, sustainable buildings, satisfied clients and proud builders

Ian Mawditt of FourWalls will be testing the building with a blower door test and there will be a demonstration showing how to use a thermal imaging camera to identify cold bridges.

Tom Heywood from The Green Building Store will be giving a Q&A session on the MVHR system that Earthwise have installed.

For full information, and to book a place please visit The Green Register website

​Our experienced team have already started the complex groundworks - which involve ground retaining walls and underpinning existing structures - on the steep, tight site, which is the clients' current garden.  The clients can look forward to moving into their new Passivhaus-standard home in around twelve months time, enjoying spacious open-plan living with bedrooms downstairs and living quarters upstairs, to maximise enjoyment of the views down the valley.  

​The house will have a car-charging port, Thin Film PV Panels applied to the metal standing Seam roof and an air source heat pump providing heating and hot water. The finishes will be Larch, Breathable Render and Cotswold Stone. 

Lots of hard work ahead on this exciting eco home that has been thoughtfully designed by CaSA Architects and Greenheart.

See above for how it WILL look... and below for how it looks at this early stage!

It's all go on site at our current newbuild in France Lynch, Gloucestershire at the moment!

Firstly, a visit from Darren Evans Assessments delivered an impressive air test result of 0.64ACH yesterday.  This highly insulated,  single-storey timber frame home has never been intended for Passivhaus certification (which requires 0.6ACH or lower) but we are very happy with this result nonetheless!

It's all systems go too with our guys installing WARMCEL insulation and preparing the roof for sedum - more photos to come.

Richard Hatfield and Malcolm McMahon were interviewed by Richard Brown of The Property Voice recently for his regular podcast. He described Greenheart as being 'on the ground pioneering sustainable building in the real world' which we can't argue with!

Click here to listen to the guys chatting with Richard about a range of sustainable construction-related topics.