Some of the key drivers behind the scheme were to deliver newly built homes that were comfortable, accessible, and practical, while also meeting the ambitious low-energy-use requirements set by Passivhaus. The scheme sought to promote accessibility within the dwellings, as well as ease of access to the shared garden and communal external areas, to help create a sense of greater expansiveness and engagement with the development’s surroundings. MEP services within each dwelling were intentionally designed to operate as simply as possible, enabling ease of use for residents. Due to the building's very low heating requirements, inherent to Passivhaus design, direct electric heating was used as a cost-effective, easy-to-operate solution for space heating.

Air-source heat pump hot water cylinders with ducted air intake and exhaust were provided in each home for hot water generation. To comply with Passivhaus design criteria, careful detailing was required to ensure sufficient thermal insulation on all ducts between the tanks and the external envelope. A similar approach was taken for the MVHR systems, where thermal losses from the air intake and discharge ducts, as well as the overall airtightness of the ductwork system, were critical to achieving final Passivhaus accreditation on completion of the project.

JGC were appointed by the MEP installer (Munro Building Services Ltd.) to assist with the delivery of the project through RIBA Stages 5-6. Our expertise was utilised to verify and confirm the MEP installation details, ensuring the delivered scheme achieved Passivhaus certification. The development at Dove Court was completed in 2023.