Tours and talking!

Nearly 50 people including architects, Passivhaus enthusiasts, builders and eco consultants attended the recent mid-build event on Princedale Road for a talk from Octavia Housing Energy Manager Lewis Lowe, an in depth tour of the Victorian Passivhaus and the chance to chat to the project team and ask questions.

We asked guests to give us their thoughts on what we’re doing:

‘It was a fascinating insight into how Passivhaus can be applied to typical UK housing stock in an innovative and well considered way.’

‘Many thanks for the opportunity to see the Passivhaus. It was so informative and as a tenant I was inspired to know that living more environmentally friendly is totally possible in our urban location.’

‘Thank you for the visit, it was most interesting… everything seems to be done extremely well—both the theory and on-site works’

‘Really enjoyed taking a look around. A fantastically interesting project. I wish you the best in completing it.’

And of course, there were comments and questions!

‘I would like to know more about the underfloor element of the air management system as I haven’t seen this used before on a domestic scale…it would be interesting to know what elements of the project Octavia are planning to roll out (if not all) across its stock?’

‘Obviously the existing housing stock varies widely in typology, however I believe that insulation is the key element in making dwellings more energy efficient by reducing input, whatever the source. Ideally this would be coupled with controlled ventilation and renewable energy sources. The energy sources don’t have to be on site, e.g. Good Energy (utility company) supplies electricity via the grid that only comes from renewable sources. It is sensible to make good use of opportunities on a plot by plot or estate-wide basis where they make financial sense though.’

‘Based on modelling that we conducted for a similar type of project…I would recommend fitting sensors at the entry and exit of the labyrinth to truly see if there is a difference [in the temperature of the air coming into and leaving the labyrinth].’

All of the feedback and questions we receive about the project are valuable and will be followed up on this site where possible – it’s all about learning after all!

View video snippets of the tours (coming soon) and more images of the event in the gallery.