Sustainable Architects in Cambridge
We’re an award winning chartered architecture practice that specialise in eco-friendly and sustainable design. We design beautiful, practical and fun places to live and work in Cambridge and beyond. Striving to deliver responsive solutions to the residents of Cambridgeshire that have a minimal impact on the environment.
We specialise in low carbon, eco home designs that are light on the planet and light on your pocket. As an RIBA registered practice, we offer the full architectural service from feasibility to on-site supervision and completion of your project. We will listen to your requirements and provide appropriate solutions. Our team is passionate about providing great architecture that will lift your spirits as well as be fully functional.
Architectural Services
As an RIBA chartered practice, Eco Design Consultants can provide full architectural services from conception to completion over a variety of sectors within Cambridge.
Whether you need a bit of additional space at home or are developing a whole site, we can help you through the process to achieve quality buildings that put the environment at the centre of design.
- Feasibility and Planning
- Sustainable Interior Design
- Working Drawings and Building Regulation Applications
- Full construction detailing
- Project Management
- Airtightness Detailing and Strategy
- Extensions and Renovations
- On-site Support
- Supporting Developers
Strategies & Assessments
As environmental consultants, we are certified European Passivhaus Designers and energy specialists. We have worked with a number of developers, individuals and housing associations within Cambridge to help them develop strategies to reduce fuel and carbon usage.
- Passivhaus Design, calculation & support
- PHPP
- Renewable Energy Feasibility
- Thermal bridging analysis & Psi values
- Environmental & Energy Strategy Statements for planning
- Bespoke Environmental Standards for Housing Associations
- Home Energy Surveys
- Retrofit / Renovation strategies
- Support for other Architects
- Whole House Plans
Training and Presentations
Eco design consultants have built up an in-depth knowledge of low energy housing and Passivhaus, and have spoken at conferences, Universities and Architectural practices. Spreading the knowledge is important to us, and we offer a range of services.
- Conference Presentations
- Seminars
- In-house Training
- Toolbox Talks/Training
- Project Support
Local planning Documents for Cambridge
The Cambridge Local Plan was adopted in 2018 and forms part of the development plan for Cambridge. It sets out the vision, policies and proposals for the future development and land use in Cambridge until 2031. It is the main consideration in the determination of planning applications. A wider joint Greater Cambridge Local Plan is currently underdevelopment.
Individual local neighbourhood plans, such as the South Newnham Neighbourhood Plan, supplement the Cambridge Local Plan. They are used to guide developments and manage changes alongside the Local Plan. They help to communicate a vision for specific areas, with the same legal status as the Local Plan. Therefore decisions on planning applications must take neighbourhood plans into consideration.
Some areas of Cambridge also have Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD), such as the Eastern Gate Development Framework Supplementary Planning Document. An SPD will typically add more detail to the Local Plan, providing additional planning guidance for future redevelopment in line with the Local Plan policies. They ensure character appraisals underpinning future development.
All three types of documents will be used by the planning department when assessing your application, therefore on submitting an application all relevant documentation must be considered.
Cambridge’s Unique Planning Considerations
Cambridge housing offers unique, world-renowned heritage buildings, such as Kings College Chapel, and the oldest Cambridge college, Peterhouse, founded in 1284. The special architectural and historic interest of Cambridge is protected by Conservations areas. Conservation areas are designed to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of these unique buildings.
Cambridge has 18 Conservation Areas, not just within the historic centre of the city, but also further afield. These include the New Town and Glisson Road Conservation Area, and the Trumpington Conservation Area. If your property is in a conservation area planning permission may be needed for works that would not necessitate permission in other area as permitted development is removed. This could include loft conversions, basement work, adding PV or even external wall insulation. Cambridge Council have compiled a list of permissions required in a conservation area.
Where your property is located within a Conservation Area, there will be an obligation for you to prepare a Design and Access Statement. The document explains how your development might impact the Conservation Area aesthetically. You will also need to demonstrate how your proposed development minimally impacts the surroundings or the listed building itself. Engaging with Cambridge council through pre-application advice will help the process to run more smoothly.
The Backs in Cambridge, the low-lying area to the west of the River Cam, is itself a Grade 1 Listed historic park. It is not only a protected area, but also represents a green highway through the centre of the city. Any development near the park will be subject to additional scrutiny to safeguard protected species. Badgers, bats, birds, great crested newts, invertebrates, otters and reptiles are among the species that need to be considered in Cambridgeshire. The councils biodiversity supplementary planning document offers a comprehensive guideline on planning requirements in relation to environmental quality and local biodiversity. Presenting a sensitive design which mitigates the risk of harm is vital in these cases.
One Council aim is to build new council homes to ambitious environmental standards, with science-based targets, learning from the experience of the University of Cambridge and others. They plan to support homeowners and landlords to “retrofit” energy efficiency and renewable energy measures to their homes. The Council, through its Sustainable City Grants, is running annual Open Eco Homes events, which provide opportunities to attend energy-efficiency workshop and visit low carbon homes in Cambridge. Although there is no specific promise to deliver to a Passivhaus standard, the intent for a robust, science-based approach to retrofitting and new build would complement the Passivhaus approach.
Eco Design Completed Projects in Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire Village Home
For many, the idea of leaving behind a home filled with memories and a well-established garden is unthinkable. This was precisely the case for our clients. Having deep roots in the community and raising their family in their beloved home, moving wasn’t an option. However, as their needs evolved, so too did the demands on their living space. The solution? To utilise the garden to create something extraordinary.
The result is a stunning new home, built within the garden of their original house. Designed with a clear vision, the home is a testament to thoughtful planning and innovative design. The vision to maximise the downstairs space for entertaining friends and visiting family, the ground floor was crafted to offer an expansive area perfect for entertaining both. Additionally, a master suite was incorporated into the ground floor layout, ensuring comfort and convenience for years to come.
But this wasn’t just a home to meet practical needs—it was a project of passion. The clients had one special request: the inclusion of 10 standout “wow factors.” The end result? A home that exceeded their expectations and delivered on every level.
One of the standout features is a seamless connection to the outdoors. The clients’ love for their garden inspired the creation of an inviting outdoor space. This area serves as a tranquil retreat, offering the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the serene views of their much-loved garden.
This project showcases the art of combining creativity with functionality, proving that with vision and the right team, it’s possible to have a home that not only meets your needs but also enhances the lifestyle you cherish.
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Cambridge Phased EnerPHit
When the homeowners decided to expand their semi-detached Cambridgeshire home, they made a bold and thoughtful choice: their new extension would meet Passivhaus standards. The goal was clear, not only would the addition avoid increasing the home’s energy consumption, but it would also lay the groundwork for a whole-house thermal improvement.
This project was carefully planned and executed in phases, allowing the family to remain in their home throughout. The initial stages saw contractors building the extension’s basic structure, but from there, the homeowners took the reins. By hiring tradespeople directly and diving into DIY tasks themselves.
Now completed, the extension has exceeded all expectations. The remarkable comfort it provides, especially compared to the unrenovated parts of the house, has been a revelation. This success has inspired the family to continue their journey, upgrading the rest of the home one room at a time. The sense of accomplishment and improved living conditions keep the momentum alive.
The project is a testament to how thoughtful design and hands-on dedication can transform a home. Not just in terms of energy efficiency but also in comfort and liveability. Once the final phase is completed the clients will be progressing to certification
Working Drawings in Cambridge
A Fully Integrated Sustainable Working Drawing Package
I am sure you would agree that successful detailing of projects is vital for the project’s success, this is especially important for highly sustainable developments. We can provide you with a service that combines our many years of Architectural design and detailing with environmental assessment to provide an integrated service that will:
- Be reliable, accurate and cost-effective
- Achieve high levels of airtightness
- Achieve good ‘U’ values
- Benefit from experience of Passivhaus detailing & design
- Reduce cold bridging
- Minimise renewable technologies & fully integrate where appropriate
- Ensure appropriate selection of sustainable materials
Working Drawings
Cold Bridge Elimination
As part of our working drawing package we offer 2D computer analysis of details utilising software to highlight cold bridging weak points, enabling corrections to be made. This process also provides Ψ (psi) values enabling better results in both PHPP (Passivhaus planning package) and SAP (standard assessment procedure).
It will also ensure that your project:
- Saves money at construction
- Reduces unnecessary materials
- Reduces the risk of condensation
- Ensures buildability
- Improves your SAP / PHPP ratings
- Saves money, CO2 and fuel bills
- Increases comfort for the owner / tenant
Did you know that on highly efficient buildings, poorly designed joints between elements can double the heat loss of a building?
We can solve this through computer analysis and careful detailing.
“We found eco design consultants work on the cold bridging invaluable, they were able to reduce the cold bridging considerably on our refurbishment project. It did not make the details any thicker and on one of the details they improved the efficiency of the house by 15% just by changing detailing and material specification.”
Gil Schalom, Gil Schalom Design
Supporting Developers
Airtightness Strategies in Cambridge
Airtightness is a vital element of a building, especially when constructing to the Passivhaus standard because excessive air leakage can lead to more energy being consumed and a draughty/leaky building. Therefore the need to eliminate areas of air leakage is extremely important. Less leaky buildings also offer more comfort to the user.
Airtightness Strategy Report
We can prepare an airtightness strategy report that can be used at on-site induction by the design and construction team which will include an introduction on the importance of airtightness. The report will be presented in a practical manner and will also include pictures, diagrams and references to further information and product details such as airtightness tapes. If desired, we can also run a practical workshop to show contractors how to install the airtightness tape.
We can provide detailed drawings to aid with building airtightness. These details will cover areas where airtightness is particularly key and show how they should be made airtight. Key areas may include: (this list is not exhaustive)
- Windows
- Doors
- Junction between the ground floor and wall
- First floor junction
- Service penetrations
- Loft hatch
- Roof & eaves
Supporting Developers
Energy Strategies in Cambridge
All buildings are different and vary depending on location, orientation, occupancy, use, heating systems and appliances. Therefore energy strategies to reduce energy usage will also vary. We can help individual homeowners, developers, housing associations, designers and architects with energy reduction solutions to meet the demands and constraints of their development.
For Individual Homeowners
Whether you are looking to build your own home, refurbish your existing home or just want to reduce your energy bills, we can help you find an appropriate solution. We have experience of reducing a home’s total CO2 emissions by over 80% and we can assist you in reducing your home’s carbon footprint and future fuel bills, offering you fuel security in the future. We will produce a written report looking at the potential of different scenarios such as thickness and location of insulation, changes to the internal layout, renewables and MVHR. The report will then allow you to make an informed decision, and show potential combinations to reach targets such as Passivhaus, or AECB building standard.
Energy Strategies
For Developers, Housing Associations, Designers and Architects
Many local authorities and some clients now require energy and carbon dioxide to be reduced using Low or Zero Carbon Technologies (LZCs). We can assist you in selecting a suitable solution and provide appropriate reports as required. Our reports will look at the potential advantages and disadvantages of renewable technologies in relation to the particular development and consider the budget, long term maintenance costs and effectiveness of each technology over a 60 year period. At the same time, we will ensure full integration and that the design is not compromised.
Our full range of energy strategy services:-
- New Build and Retrofit Strategy Reports
- Independent help in choosing the appropriate renewable energy for your project
- Low or Zero Carbon Energy assessment and options appraisal
- Energy strategies for GLA and Local Authorities’ requirements
- Sustainability statements for planning
Working with Developers & Contractors across Cambridge
As the benefits of low carbon, energy efficient homes are becoming increasingly understood demand for Passivhaus buildings is increasingly making the financial argument more and more compelling. If you would like support to achieve the gold standard in energy efficient design or improving the thermal performance of existing stock we can help.
All large planning schemes require a sustainability and energy statement, we can assist you in providing this. We can develop strategies that not only meet local authorities’ requirements but can provide marketing advantages, as green, sustainable, energy efficient and healthy homes. Why not consider the AECB Standard. Combine our environmental input with our Architectural service, and you have a joined up package.
Support we offer:
- Architectural Design & Detailing
- Passivhaus Design & PHPP Calculation
- AECB certification
- Environmental Strategies
- Low and Zero Carbon Technology Feasibility Reports
- Daylighting Calculations
- Environmental Statements for Planning
- Home User Guides
- Toolbox Talks
Sustainable Interiors in Cambridge
Each business is unique, with its own philosophy, operating model and team. Just as unique is the building that the company occupies depending on location, orientation, occupancy and use. Eco Design Consultants believe that sustainable interior design strategies should be equally unique. Each of our strategies are based on Passivhaus principles and biophilic design, to deliver solutions to individual businesses requirements.
Our office designs utilise our Architectural and environmental skills to deliver a layout which optimises comfort, productivity, satisfaction and a sense of wellbeing.
We will listen and discuss your business plan so that your design will enhance your objectives and improve the bottom line. The business case for green offices is well established with staff being the most valuable resource in most organisations. Investment in a thermally comfortable environment with natural light and low VOC materials reduces absenteeism, increases retention and boosts productivity. This is on top of the benefits associated with reduced fuel costs and the green pound.
