Purleigh Avenue
This pioneering development marked the first Passivhaus project delivered by both Aspen Build and the London Borough of Redbridge, setting a new benchmark for sustainable affordable housing. Constructed on a previously underused garage site, the scheme required meticulous planning, specialist detailing, and rigorous quality control throughout every stage of design and construction to achieve the demanding Passivhaus performance standards.
The development delivered three contemporary terraced houses designed to provide exceptionally low energy consumption while offering comfortable, high-quality homes for residents. By combining innovative construction techniques with sustainable design principles, the project demonstrated how underutilised urban land can be transformed into environmentally responsible housing.
To meet Passivhaus requirements, the homes were constructed using a high-performance timber frame with increased wall depths, enhanced insulation, and carefully detailed airtight construction. External finishes included a combination of face brickwork and render, pitched tiled roofs with integrated photovoltaic (PV) panels, and high-performance triple-glazed uPVC windows and doors, creating durable homes with outstanding thermal efficiency.
Each property was equipped with a centralised Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, delivering excellent indoor air quality while significantly reducing heat loss. Together with the enhanced building fabric, these features achieved EPC A ratings and are estimated to reduce annual energy costs by approximately 30–40% compared with a typical new-build home.
Key features
The external works were designed to complement the high-quality homes and promote practical, accessible living. A private driveway provides parking for four vehicles, while gently sloping pathways offer step-free access to each entrance. Generous rear gardens, complete with lawns and paved patio areas, create valuable outdoor space for every property.
Beyond Passivhaus certification, the development was designed to comply with London Plan requirements, Lifetime Homes standards, Code for Sustainable Homes criteria, and Secured by Design principles. Features including secure cycle storage, level access thresholds, ground-floor WCs, future hoist routes, and PAS24-rated windows and doors ensure the homes are sustainable, accessible, secure, and adaptable for future needs.
The completed scheme represents a significant milestone in Aspen Build's commitment to sustainable construction. By successfully delivering our first Passivhaus development for the London Borough of Redbridge, we demonstrated our ability to combine innovative building techniques, exceptional quality, and environmental performance to create homes that will benefit both residents and the wider community for generations to come.