Carrowbreck Meadows, Norwich, by Hamson Barron Smith

Carrowbreck Meadows

Source: Jefferson Smith

Hamson Barron Smith has planted 14 Passivhaus homes in a woodland in Norfolk. Ike Ijeh explains why it could blossom into a scheme of nationwide significance

Project Carrowbreck Meadows

Architects Hamson Barron Smith

Location Norwich

Sheltering in a landscaped clearing in the middle of thick Norfolk woodland lies the largest Passivhaus scheme in Greater Norwich and one of the biggest in eastern England. Carrowbreck Meadow is a development of 14 Passivhaus homes designed by interdisciplinary architect Hamson Barron Smith for Broadland Growth, a novel joint venture between integrated property services provider NPS and Broadland District Council, the local authority.

Carrowbreck exhibits many of the features one would expect from a Passivhaus scheme. For instance, it provides a thermal bridge and draught free building envelope that exceeds airtightness regulations five times over. Fresh filtered air is also delivered to all the homes, using a heat recovery system capable of achieving over 90% efficiencies.

This is premium content. 

Only logged in subscribers have access to it.

Login or SUBSCRIBE to view this story

Gated access promo

Existing subscriber? LOGIN

A subscription to Building Design will provide:

  • Unlimited architecture news from around the UK
  • Reviews of the latest buildings from all corners of the world
  • Full access to all our online archives
  • PLUS you will receive a digital copy of WA100 worth over £45.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

Alternatively REGISTER for free access on selected stories and sign up for email alerts