‘Fabric First’ is a great mantra….but we don’t agree.

As Passive House architects, this may be surprising.

And before we get lynched by all the Passive House purists, hear us out.

It is not fabric first, it is design first, fabric second.

The importance of design on where we live, work and play (yeah, like the Mars bar ad…) has a profound impact on our quality of life. The saying goes that we are a product of our friends, our environment.  And that includes our built environment.

Studies have shown that a well-designed hospital can speed up recovery times. Meaning the better the hospital environment (light, air quality, thermal comfort, even the colour of paint on the walls) the quicker you improve.

Imagine the benefits in your own home or place of work. Potentially better productivity, increased happiness, and all-around improved comfort.

In Passive House design, this also means designing your home, your building, so that you harness the solar energy, without overheating.

So you get the built form, the design right – which includes Passive House principles – before the fabric.

If you are thinking of designing, or renovating, your house or building; have a chat with us to see what value we can bring to your project.