{"id":7389,"date":"2026-05-01T10:30:54","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T10:30:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.angesfinanciers.org\/?p=7389"},"modified":"2026-05-01T15:06:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T15:06:26","slug":"gs-architecture-retrofits-hampstead-passive-house-with-fabric-first-approach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.angesfinanciers.org\/index.php\/2026\/05\/01\/gs-architecture-retrofits-hampstead-passive-house-with-fabric-first-approach\/","title":{"rendered":"GS Architecture retrofits Hampstead Passive House with “fabric-first approach”"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Passivhaus<\/div>\n

Local studio GS Architecture has completed its renovation<\/a> and extension<\/a> of a family home in Hampstead Heath, London<\/a>, updating it to meet low-energy Passivhaus<\/a> standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Named Hampstead Passive House, the semi-detached Victorian home was overhauled to create a more comfortable, light-filled dwelling with significantly reduced energy consumption.<\/p>\n

\"Hampstead
GS Architecture has retrofitted a home in Hampstead Heath<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

GS Architecture<\/a> set out to achieve the rigorous Passivhaus EnerPHit standard, which certifies low-energy buildings that have been refurbished with high levels of insulation and airtightness.<\/p>\n

It upgraded the house with improved insulation and triple-glazed windows, while introducing solar panels, low-energy lighting and a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system.<\/p>\n

\"Timber-framed
A timber-framed extension houses the kitchen and dining space<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“Sustainability was central to the brief \u2013 the clients were committed to creating a home that performed as efficiently as possible, and Passivhaus EnerPHit offered a clear and ambitious benchmark for the project,” GS Architecture partner Guy Stansfeld told Dezeen.<\/p>\n

“A fabric-first approach underpinned the design, with careful attention given to insulation, airtightness and breathability,” added Stansfeld.<\/p>\n

“The use of wood fibre insulation and traditional lime plaster was key, allowing the existing building shell to be made airtight while still breathable.”<\/p>\n

\"Hampstead
Reclaimed snooker-table slate was used for kitchen worktops<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As part of the project, GS Architecture replaced the home’s existing conservatory and extensions with a new timber-framed addition.<\/p>\n

Topped with a wildflower green roof<\/a>, this rear extension houses an open-plan kitchen and dining space, with timber doors opening out into the garden.<\/p>\n

\"London
Insulation, airtightness and breathability were key priorities<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Inside, the space combines a variety of timber elements, including the kitchen island and cupboard fittings, the dining table and a built-in bookcase.<\/p>\n

Timber finishes appear alongside reclaimed materials such as old snooker-table slate used for the kitchen worktops, complete with original brass studs and pocket cutouts.<\/p>\n

\"Hampstead
Clay from the garden was mixed into the lime-based wall paint<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Other reclaimed and repurposed elements include salvaged floorboards used to line the extension’s ceiling and for internal door facings, while cupboard doors are made from former cheese-manufacturing boards.<\/p>\n

According to the studio, new materials and finishes were carefully selected to avoid petrochemical-based products. Clay from the rear garden was mixed into the lime-based paint for the walls, contributing to its natural look.<\/p>\n