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Gresford Architects aimed to show that Passivhaus need not be what has become to be known as a typical Passivhaus - instead of providing a vernacular high-quality modern design. "We have aimed to create a house that is on the cutting edge of sustainable design, yet eschews the hair-shirt approach to sustainable living that many people think of when considering environmentally friendly homes," Gresford Architects said.

"The house is conceived as a modern interpretation of the timber-framed barns of the area, that when seen from the distance reads as a simple, traditional, agricultural building," they added. "On closer inspection, it reveals itself as a crisply designed, carefully made, contemporary interpretation of the historic buildings it draws inspiration from." The building is 2 storeys high, with a gabled roof and a facade of black-stained timber weatherboard. Gresford with the able assistance of the services of the in-demand Mike Jacob of Trunk Low energy opted to utilise a wide timber-framed wall using a selection of Airtight tapes and membranes from Partel. 

The partnership for this project has recently evolved with the formation of a new joint venture taking advantage of the strengths of Trunk Low Energy and Gresford architects TGPassivhaus. Both parties have a history of delivering ultra-low energy-efficient homes, often using sustainable materials.