Bridgnorth architects wins passive house project

Johnson Design Partnership, based in Station Lane in Bridgnorth, has been appointed by global property specialists Elemento Group to oversee final designs for a significant passive house in the South East of England.

Passive houses are ultra-energy efficient properties, and the house will need to be airtight with thermal bridging to make it into one of the country's most environmentally-friendly buildings.

JDP fended off international competition to win the contract and now has its team, including three senior architects, working through the original planning application and design work of Seymour Smith Architects to develop the property.

Once completed, the five-bedroom home will include design features including a large cantilever to the front of the building and landscaped gardens with a natural water feature, whilst the property will be built into the landscape to reduce visual impact.

“This is a real coup for our practice and shows that small architects with an eye for design and the passion to push the boundaries of innovation can compete and win some of the most exciting projects in the world,” said Vic Johnson, who founded Johnson Design Partnership in 2003.

“Elemento Group is a visionary developer and bought into how we would complete the challenging final designs and ensure that they are then project managed throughout the construction so that they deliver the energy requirements of a passive house, but also a property that offers the best in luxury living.”

He added: “Our reputation with Grand Designs was definitely a reason why we’ve been selected, with the RIBA recognised transformation of Old Wynd Cottage on a World Heritage Site and other exciting schemes proving the difference.”

JDP has also created space for a gym, an office, five en-suite bedrooms, staff room, large open plan kitchen/dining space and a balcony overlooking the landscaped grounds.

This latest project marks a strong start to the year for Johnson Design Partnership, with the practice currently working on tens of projects.

The company is also building a strong reputation for delivering better spaces for some of the UK’s leading healthcare facilities and hospitals.