Ecospheric

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Ecospheric

Zetland Passive House

The Zetland Road project is the first certified Passivhaus EnerPHit Plus home in the UK and Europe. The project goes beyond the classic passive house certification by installing solar PV technology so that the homes produce their own energy. Every material and feature in the house has been considered so that it can be as sustainable as possible.
Project Year: 2018
Country: United Kingdom
Others who worked on this project: Ellie Knowles
These Victorian townhouses in Manchester have become the first homes in Europe to achieve the world's toughest performance standards set by the renowned German Passivhaus Institute.
Zetland Passive House
​Featuring Nobel prize winning super material graphene and a host of world first technologies, these 125 year old properties outperform 99.9% of new builds - a true showcase of the potential in our heritage buildings.
Zetland Passive House
Mixing British architectural history with the most advanced and environmentally-friendly materials, the properties revolutionise occupants’ lifestyles.
Zetland Passive House
One of the aims of this project was to achieve a pristine period finish on Zetland Road, even ​incorporating ​stained glass in a passive house, which is a world first. From the street the building looks classically Victorian with its decorative path, cast stone steps and ornate porch. The only hint...
Zetland Passive House
The entrance hall features elaborate plaster cornicing and ceiling roses by The Coving Warehouse in Sheffield, refurbished chandeliers wired to accommodate power saving LED bulbs by Agapanthus Interiors in Stockport, and Victorian style mosaic flooring by Martin Mosaic in Wimbledon.
Zetland Passive House
The entrance hall features elaborate plaster cornicing and ceiling roses by The Coving Warehouse in Sheffield, refurbished chandeliers wired to accommodate power saving LED bulbs by Agapanthus Interiors in Stockport, and Victorian style mosaic flooring by Martin Mosaic in Wimbledon.
Zetland Passive House
This passivhaus standard door supplied by Ecospheric Windows features triple glazed encapsulated stained glass - the first to be installed in a passive house. The 88mm thick insulated door panel is made with FSC certified wood and is manufactured in Europe, Photo: Rick McCullagh
Zetland Passive House
Truly fresh air circulates throughout the building. A discreet, central ​Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery ​system (​MVHR​) cleanses airborne germs and particulates (such as pollen) from the home and controls humidity, helping to relieve hay-fever, rhinitis and asthma.
Zetland Passive House
Living room furnished with handmade pieces by John George Fine Cabinetry, refurbished chandelier by Agapanthus Interiors, ceiling rose by The Coving Warehouse, and windows by Ecospheric Windows. Photo: Rick McCullagh
Zetland Passive House
This vintage chandelier has been refurbished by Agapanthus Interiors. The boutique lighting and interiors company specialises in sourcing and salvaging luxurious antique light fixtures and rewiring them to meet modern low energy requirements. https://agapanthusinteriors.com
Zetland Passive House
This handmade ceiling rose was manufactured in Sheffield by The Coving Warehouse. The company continues to produce plaster ceiling roses, cornicing and coving in the traditional style using natural ingredients. https://www.covingwarehouse.co.uk/
Zetland Passive House
Handmade side table and armchair upholstered with William Morris print made by John George Fine Cabinetry.
Zetland Passive House
In the 4m high rear living area sits a wood burning stove, which whilst not needed to heat the property adds a little winter luxury. By drawing its air from outside the property the stove avoids the drafts typically caused by chimneys and exacerbated by lighting fires.
Zetland Passive House
The modern-styled lounge features triple glazed panel windows and patio door supplied by Ecospheric Windows. https://www.ecospheric.co.uk/windows
Zetland Passive House
Timber V&A structural supports reduce the need for carbon intensive steel beams. Floors are tiled with Tuscan marble for breathability and durability. Walls painted with lime-based graphene-infused paint.
Zetland Passive House
The Kitchen handcrafted in locally grown timber is complemented by hand brushed brass splashbacks, Welsh slate worktops and A+++ rated appliances. Kitchen cabinetry, island, and worktops built by John George Fine Cabinetry using locally sourced hardwood supplied by Manchester Tree Station. Antique...
Zetland Passive House
The Kitchen handcrafted in locally grown timber is complemented by hand brushed brass splashbacks, Welsh slate worktops and A+++ rated appliances. Kitchen cabinetry, island, and worktops built by John George Fine Cabinetry using locally sourced hardwood supplied by Manchester Tree Station. Antique...
Zetland Passive House
The utility room accessed via a recessed sliding door, houses an energy conserving washing machine, broom closet and storage cupboards and drawers. The brass lined drinks cabinet features built-in LED lighting while the oak-topped island disguises a Manchester-specific 4-part recycling bin. Highly...
Zetland Passive House
100% stainless steel tap with a brushed copper finish by Nivito and supplied by Olif. This tap is aerated to reduce water usage and free of any contaminating metals like lead, ensuring a pure, clean water supply. Slate kitchen worktop and harwood cabinets featuring brass handles by John George Fine...
Zetland Passive House
The WC features a grey water recycling toilet, saving space and conserving water. The dirty hand wash water fills the cistern and directly flushes the WC. Supplied by Sanlamere.
Zetland Passive House
The beautiful copper light switches and hand brushed brass surfaces help to stop the spread of viruses and bacteria within the household and the electrical wiring in the homes minimise Electromagnetic Fields.
Zetland Passive House
Gold plated Bristan taps and handmade vanity by John George Fine Cabinetry. The vanity has been made using locally sourced hardwood from Manchester Tree Station.
Zetland Passive House
The opulent bathroom features a cast iron roll top bath, gold plated taps, smoky antique mirror, discreet shower and toilet stalls. Ceilings are embellished with handmade plaster ceiling roses and cornicing. Floors are covered with Tuscan quartz marble tiles.
Zetland Passive House
Gold plated taps by Bristan. https://www.bristan.com/
Zetland Passive House
Family bathroom walk in shower. Photo: Rick McCullagh
Zetland Passive House
The master bedroom features a handmade bed and armchair by John George Fine Cabinetry. The bed is made with French walnut and brass. The chair is covered by a William Morris fabric. Chandeliers are made by Agapanthus Interiors. Doors to the left open into a spacious walk-in closet and master...
Zetland Passive House
The master bedroom features a handmade bed and armchair by John George Fine Cabinetry. The bed is made with French walnut and brass. The chair is covered by a William Morris fabric.
Zetland Passive House
Triple glazed stained glass bay windows provide warmth and authentic period style to the master bedroom. This passivhaus standard stained glass is supplied by Ecospheric Windows.
Zetland Passive House
The master ensuite bathroom features a walk-in shower with rainfall shower head and marble tiles. The vanity is made in locally sourced hardwood by John George Fine Cabinetry.
Zetland Passive House
The master ensuite bathroom features a vanity made in locally sourced hardwood by John George Fine Cabinetry.
Zetland Passive House
Staircase and hallway leading to the second floor of the home. This hallway receives natural light with a thermostatically controlled roof light with rain sensor. The roof light opens and closes automatically providing effective passive cooling on hot summer days.
Zetland Passive House
Transitional style hall featuring chevron floorboards, and original stair railing and bannister. Recessed LED lighting provides a clean modern feel to the space. Walls and railing are coloured with graphene-infused lime paint by Graphenstone.
Zetland Passive House
This wonderful eaves bedroom is a uniquely shaped space showcasing the original timber ceiling beams. LED lighting is recessed within the wooden beam and along the eaves. Chevron wood flooring enhances the angles of this bedroom.
Zetland Passive House
The eaves bedroom is a fantastic space with the slope of the roof providing clean and interesting angles. The arch window is triple glazed and supplied by Ecospheric Windows. https://www.ecospheric.co.uk/windows
Zetland Passive House
This arch window is in a traditional style with ornate monkey tail handle. Despite its traditional look, the window provides high performance thermal insulation with triple glazing and a Uw of 0.63 W/m²K.
Zetland Passive House
Child's room featuring decor and clothing by Our Kid. The award-winning children's clothing and decor shop in Chorlton specialises in organic clothing and wooden toys.
Zetland Passive House
Child's room featuring decor and clothing by Our Kid. The award-winning children's clothing and decor shop in Chorlton specialises in organic clothing and wooden toys. The yellow armchair is made with natural, organic fiber fillings and coverings by Ecosofa. Knitted blanket in Yorkshire wool by...
Zetland Passive House
Handcrafted armchair with organic fabric by Ecosofa. This Nottingham-based upholsterer is one of the only companies in the UK to make completely non-toxic sofas and armchairs using natural fillers and materials.
Zetland Passive House
Photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof not only power the homes’ lighting and appliances but also heat the hot water tank - ​the first in the world with a thermocline control​. This smart hot water tank stores hot and cold water separately and can be controlled with an app on your phone. It only...
Zetland Passive House
Modern, minimal garden design. Photo: Rick McCullagh
Zetland Passive House
The wooden external cladding is “pre-fossilised” meaning it’s resistant to rot and UV degradation. Made by Organowood, this timber cladding is saturated with silicon compounds turning the wood into stone. Thus, the wood is protected without the use of biocides or heavy metals.
Zetland Passive House
Windows are angled Southward on the rear facade to maximise solar gains. This contributes to how the home is heated. Triple glazed, passivhaus standard windows are supplied by Ecospheric Windows.
Zetland Passive House
Windows are angled Southward on the rear facade to maximise solar gains. This contributes to how the home is heated. Triple glazed, passivhaus standard windows are supplied by Ecospheric Windows.
Zetland Passive House
Bedroom featuring built in LED lighting and windows angled to maximise solar gain. Furnishings by Beuzeval Furniture (round side table), John George Fine Cabinetry (rectangular side table), One Nine Eight Five (framed print)
Zetland Passive House
Dining nook and lounge featuring V & A timber supports. Lighting by Agapanthus Interiors. Dining table by John George Fine Cabinetry. Sofa and armchair by Ecosofa. Yorkshire woven blanket by Lisa Watson.
Zetland Passive House
Dining nook and lounge featuring V & A timber supports. Lighting by Agapanthus Interiors. Dining table by John George Fine Cabinetry. Sofa by Ecosofa.
Zetland Passive House
Bespoke kitchen and dining table by John George Fine Cabinetry. The timber cabinets are made from local sustainable hardwood. Worktops are made from Welsh slate. Lighting by Agapanthus Interiors.
Zetland Road Passive Houses
Bespoke kitchen and dining table by John George Fine Cabinetry. The timber cabinets are made from local sustainable hardwood. Worktops are made from Welsh slate. The Nivito tap by Olif is aerated to conserve water usage and all appliances are rated A+++ for energy efficiency. Lighting by Agapanthus...
Zetland Road Passive Houses
Bespoke kitchen and dining table by John George Fine Cabinetry. The timber cabinets are made from local sustainable hardwood and inset with brass handles. Worktops are made from Welsh slate. The Nivito tap by Olif is aerated to conserve water usage and all appliances are rated A+++ for energy...
Zetland Road Passive Houses
Bespoke kitchen and dining table by John George Fine Cabinetry. The timber cabinets are made from local sustainable hardwood. Worktops are made from Welsh slate. Lighting by Agapanthus Interiors.
Zetland Passive House
Bespoke kitchen by John George Fine Cabinetry. The timber cabinets are made from local sustainable hardwood. Worktops are made from Welsh slate. Lighting by Agapanthus Interiors.
Zetland Passive House
Lounge featuring A shaped timber supports and triple glazed windows and doors by Ecospheric Windows. Lighting by Agapanthus Interiors. Sofa and armchair by Ecosofa. Side tables by Beuzeval Furniture and Pete Hill Design. Wool blanket by Lisa Watson.
Zetland Passive House
Lounge featuring A shaped timber supports and triple glazed windows and doors by Ecospheric Windows. DibT accredited direct air feed wood stove by Wiking. Lighting by Agapanthus Interiors. Sofa and armchair by Ecosofa. Side tables by Beuzeval Furniture and Pete Hill Design. Wool blanket by Lisa...
Zetland Passive House
Zetland Passive House
Master bedroom with ensuite and walk in closet. Triple glazed stained glass windows by Ecospheric Windows. Upholstered Eco Bed by Longbeds.com featuring organic linen, flax, and coconut fibre upholstery and FSC certified timber frame made in Manchester. Utility folding table and round side table by...
Zetland Passive House
Master bedroom with ensuite and walk in closet. Triple glazed stained glass windows by Ecospheric Windows. Upholstered Eco Bed by Longbeds.com featuring organic linen, flax, and coconut fibre upholstery and FSC certified timber frame made in Manchester. Utility folding table and square side table...
Zetland Passive House
Master bedroom with ensuite and walk in closet. Triple glazed stained glass windows by Ecospheric Windows. Upholstered Eco Bed by Longbeds.com featuring organic linen, flax, and coconut fibre upholstery and FSC certified timber frame made in Manchester. Utility folding table and square side table...
Zetland Passive House
Zetland Passive House
Master bedroom with ensuite and walk in closet. Triple glazed stained glass windows by Ecospheric Windows. Upholstered Eco Bed by Longbeds.com featuring organic linen, flax, and coconut fibre upholstery and FSC certified timber frame made in Manchester. Square side table by Beuzeval Furniture. MIMA...
Zetland Passive House