The project

The Hatfield Heath project emerged after a housing needs survey prompted the local parish council to approach Hastoe Housing Association, a specialist rural housing provider, to take on the project. Hastoe is well known for its ability to provide good standards of design and construction for social housing, particularly rural exception sites and decided to use the Passive House standard for this project combined with their chosen regulations, codes and standards.


Passive House developments are required to be energy efficient, comfortable and affordable, so it was essential that a quality heat recover (MVHR) ventilation system was specified, enabling the properties to meet stringent energy performance criteria and achieve a comfortable all-year-round indoor climate.

Key achievements

  • Residential sector - New build
  • 3 rows of terraced properties (13 homes for affordable rent and one for shared ownership)
  • Passive House certification
  • Zehnder ComfoAir 200 Luxe PH selected - Low energy consumption and Passive House accredited
  • Heat Recovery Efficiency of up to 95%. Airtightness: 0.6 ACH combined.
  • Construction started in September 2013 and completed in February 2015
“Ventilation is a crucial aspect of the Passive House build in ensuring both comfortable, quality air and heat efficiency so we were delighted to be partnering with MVHR Passive House experts, Zehnder.

Dan Higginbotham, Architects Parsons + Whittley

Guaranteeing the provision of optimum quality indoor air all year round, the CA200 is designed specifically for properties up to 110m², so was an ideal choice. Furthermore, while the average MVHR unit on the market stands at between 75 and 80 per cent efficiency, Zehnder’s CA200 model offers an outstanding 92% heat exchange efficiency rate. It also has a filtered bypass, which ensures that during warmer summer months the internal environment remains comfortable. Ventilation is provided continuously whithout recovering the heat from extract air - which can assist with reducing summertime overheating.

Dan Higginbotham from Architects Parsons + Whittley commented, “We believe strongly in the Passive House approach. The equipment and technical support provided by Zehnder gives us confidence in the occupants of these dwellings being fully satisfied with both comfort and energy use.”

"Working closely with the Zehnder team, we were able to ensure that effective and efficient mechanical ventilation heat recovery solutions were provided for each style and size of property.”

Dan Higginbotham, Architects Parsons + Whittley

Learn more about the products used on this project

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