The Larch Corner Passivhaus was designed by Mark Siddall at Leap Architecture (
www.leap4.it). When completed, the Cotswolds home was the UK’s most airtight self build. Green Building Store (
www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk) supplied numerous materials and products for the development, including the MVHR system – a Paul Novus 300 MVHR unit, with a 200mm Maico grille on the exterior wall
As our homes have become progressively more airtight, principally in order to reduce heat losses, ventilation has become increasingly important. The advent of modern sealants, improved window technology, better quality control of site work and, finally the introduction of airtightness membranes, means there is little to no air leakage in modern structures. This is why we need to make provisions for letting fresh, clean air into our homes.