Elementa Presents Hackbridge: The UK’s First Passivhaus Plus & Net Zero Energy School

Graham Day presented Elementa’s work with Hackbridge Primary School to professionals within the built environment industry at a webinar run by New London Architecture (NLA). The webinar explored the role that design plays in providing an educational space that is adaptable to the needs of the user. To achieve Net Zero, Passivhaus building envelope insulation and airtightness requirements were both carefully considered, with triple glazed windows that enhance thermal comfort and provide excellent daylighting.

The school utilises ground source energy for heating, cooling, and hot water. The decarbonisation of heat is championed through interseasonal heat transfer, which helps to maintain comfortable classroom temperatures to provide the best learning and teaching environment throughout the year.

Please watch Graham Day present in the NLA webinar on the Future of Educational Environments below:

Key Design Features Include:

  • Timber structure, recycled materials, and high-efficiency envelope
  • Mixed-mode ventilation via central AHU with 80% heat recovery
  • 100% Heating from Ground Source Heat Pumps
  • Free cooling via Plate Heat Exchanger, Ground Loop, and AHU – recharges ground temperatures to save energy
  • Photovoltaic panels on Green Roof (Net exporter of electricity 520 sqm Photovoltaics installed on roof, 25% electricity is exported).
  • Net Zero* based on operational energy
  • Embodied Carbon assessed on structure and architecture
  • Compliance with Passivhaus Summer Overheating 10% hours (>25°c)
  • Ground floor slab is made from 70% recycled GGBS Concrete

*Net-Zero based on design parameters during programme time in 2016

Elementa worked closely with Architype to select systems and materials that have low embodied energy and are easy to construct and maintain. Through the selection of natural and non-toxic materials, Hackbridge is a reflection of our key value ‘Nurture’,  through inspiring and creating a healthy environment for children.

Want to learn more? Watch Elementa’s own event: Designing Schools for a Net-Zero Future, and contact Graham Day here with any inquiries.

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