From Denby Dale to Sheepridge – A look back on 21°s Passivhaus Journey

Join us at this year’s Passivhaus Open Days to look back at nearly 30 years of Passivhaus construction.

This November, at the winter International Passivhaus Open Days, we will take a look back at our extraordinary journey from building the UK’s first cavity wall constructed Passivhaus at Denby Dale to our final in-house construction team’s project currently being built at Sheepridge.

Through the evolution of the lessons we have learnt about sustainable construction, we will offer attendees a unique opportunity to explore the innovative strides made by the company over the last 30 years. The Denby Dale project marked a pioneering moment in 21°’s commitment to high performance, comfortable, healthy, energy efficient buildings. It taught us the significance of meticulous attention to detail, rigorous testing, and the unwavering dedication it takes to achieve the Passivhaus standard.

Founding director Bill Butcher, Chris Herring and Managing Director Andy Mitchell will take attendees on a journey through the subsequent builds right up to our most recent project at Sheepridge.

From Denby Dale to Sheepridge, each project tells a story of ambition, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of environmentally conscious building practices. We will be offering a talk, at our offices in Golcar, and tour of Sheepridge on Friday 10th for architects only and then on Saturday 11th we will be offering tours of both Sheepridge and Denby Dale to anyone who would like to attend.

Visitors will be able to explore the intricate design and detail of both buildings at Denby Dale and Sheepridge and learn about the knowledge and thinking that has helped bring 21° to the forefront of low carbon and Passivhaus construction in the UK.

More than just a showcase of the two stunning buildings, the Open Day will also offer a glimpse into the future of sustainable architecture and our lasting commitment to creating spaces that are efficient, comfortable, and healthy places to inhabit.

We will discuss our plans for the future including the support we offer architects through solutions like our Low Energy Design Service. And you will hear from experts from our in-house windows and doors team, and our MVHR design team.

As we reflect on our incredible journey over the last 30 years, we’ll share the knowledge we’ve learnt, discuss the standards we’ve set, and describe the inspiration we’ve experienced from our commitment to making buildings more comfortable, healthy and energy efficient places to live and work.

What are the Passivhaus Open Days?

The Passivhaus Trust Open Days are annual events that offer a unique opportunity for individuals to explore and gain insights into the world of Passivhaus construction. Organized by the Passivhaus Trust, these open days are a celebration of sustainable building practices and energy-efficient design. During these events, homeowners, professionals, and the curious public are invited to visit Passivhaus-certified properties, ranging from residential homes to commercial buildings, and witness firsthand the remarkable comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability that this standard provides.

At these open days, attendees can engage with architects, designers, builders, and homeowners who have embraced the Passivhaus philosophy. The events serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, offering a deeper understanding of the principles behind Passivhaus, including high levels of insulation, airtightness, mechanical ventilation, and minimal energy consumption. They inspire and educate

attendees, providing valuable insights into the benefits and practicalities of adopting Passivhaus principles, ultimately promoting a sustainable future in construction and design.