Client: Disability Essex​

Architect: Simmonds Mills​

Contractor: DCM Construction

​

The Centre for Disability Studies is an, award winning, ultra low-energy building, within which Disability Essex operates its research and training operations. The building is the first of its type, in England, to achieve the European "Passivhaus" standard and UK Building Research Establishment Standard BREEAM "Excellent"



This was the prototype - one of the first opportunities we had as a team to take the ideas we had discussed put it into action. Many of the details developed here are used more widely. 

​

Using largely conventional building techniques but with a twist whilst ensuring that the performance level met the criteria.

​

Construction: Reinforced masonry shell incorporating a Glulam frame supporting roof construction. Masonry provides thermal mass supported on concrete raft slab floated on high density insulation. Structural penetration are minimised to simplify air tightness detailing. 

​

Awards:

Regional Environment Excellence 2010