What is Passivhaus? And How It's Shaping Deptford Landings

When it comes to choosing a new home, energy efficiency and sustainability are becoming highly valued factors. That’s why more builders and homebuyers are turning their attention to Passivhaus - a world-leading certifiable standard in sustainable building design.

At Deptford Landings, this innovative approach is being brought to life, offering a new generation of homes that are not only better for the planet but also for the people who live in them. Deptford Landings is a new Shared Ownership development by Peabody New Homes launching in early 2026, offering stylish 1 and 2-bedroom energy-efficient Passivhaus apartments in a vibrant riverside community in Deptford.

What is Passivhaus?

Passivhaus (literally Passive House in English) is an internationally recognised certifiable building standard developed in Germany in the early 1990s. Its simple aim is to create buildings that dramatically reduce energy use without compromising on comfort.

Rather than relying on high-tech systems or bolt-on renewables, Passivhaus homes focus on a ‘fabric-first’ approach. That means the structure of the building itself is designed to regulate temperature efficiently, staying warm in winter and cool in summer with very little energy input.

This is achieved through a combination of smart design principles, including exceptional insulation, airtight construction, high-performance glazing, and mechanical ventilation systems that deliver fresh air without losing heat.

The Five Principles of the Passivhaus Standard

The Passivhaus standard sets out a certifiable approach to ensure homes require minimal heating and electricity throughout the year. This is achieved through a highly insulated building envelope that maximises indoor comfort and energy efficiency. To meet this standard, five key construction principles are followed:

1. High-Quality Thermal Insulation

Thick layers of insulation are applied to walls, roofs, and floors to maintain a stable indoor temperature all year round, regardless of the weather. This significantly reduces the need for heating or cooling.

2. High-Performance Windows

Double or triple-glazed windows with insulated frames are used to maximise solar gain in winter and prevent overheating in summer. Their strategic placement further enhances energy efficiency.

3. Thermal Bridge-Free Construction

Every part of the building envelope is carefully designed and constructed to eliminate thermal bridges - areas where heat can easily escape. This improves performance and reduces the risk of condensation and mould.

4. Airtight Building Envelope

Homes are precisely sealed to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering. Airtightness is verified through a blower door test, with Passivhaus requiring no more than 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50).

5. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)

An MVHR system ensures a constant supply of filtered fresh air. It captures heat from outgoing stale air and transfers it to incoming air, maintaining indoor warmth without wasting energy.

What Are the Benefits of Living in a Passivhaus?

For homeowners, the advantages of Passivhaus go far beyond sustainability:

• Lower Energy Bills

Passivhaus homes use up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to traditional buildings. That translates into significant cost savings over time.

• Consistent Indoor Comfort

Say goodbye to cold spots, draughts, or overheating. Temperatures stay steady all year round, creating a cosy and balanced environment.

• Healthier Air Quality

With filtered fresh air circulating constantly, allergens, pollutants, and humidity are reduced.

• Peace and Quiet

The thick insulation and airtight design also keep outside noise at bay, making for a more serene home environment.

• Sustainable Living

Lower energy use means lower carbon emissions. Passivhaus homes are a smart choice for buyers who care about their environmental impact.

• Long-Term Value

With rising awareness of climate change and increasing energy costs, energy-efficient homes like these are becoming more desirable on the property market.

Passivhaus Standards

A building must meet the following criteria to be officially certified as a Passivhaus:

• Space Heating Demand: Not more than 15 kWh per square metre of treated floor area per year, or a peak heating load of no more than 10 W/m².
• Airtightness: Maximum of 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 Pascal, verified by an on-site blower door test.
• Thermal Comfort: For at least 90% of the year temperatures must remain below 25°C to prevent overheating.
• Primary Energy Demand: All energy use (including appliances) must not exceed 60 kWh per square metre per year (for the “Classic” standard).

There is also a tailored standard for retrofitting existing buildings called EnerPHit, which adjusts some of the criteria while maintaining high energy performance.

How Passivhaus Is Shaping Deptford Landings

At Deptford Landings, Passivhaus principles are at the heart of a bold new housing development just minutes from the Thames. Launching in early 2026, this collection of 1 and 2-bedroom Shared Ownership homes offers a fresh approach to modern city living that blends style, sustainability, and everyday comfort.

Located just moments from the River Thames, Deptford Landings is more than just a place to live - it's a community built for the future. These homes are designed with superior insulation, airtight construction, and high-performance windows in order to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Advanced ventilation systems will provide fresh, filtered air throughout the day to ensure optimal air-quality.

All these features will translate into lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and a quieter home.

Whether you're relaxing on your private balcony, strolling through the landscaped courtyard, or taking a short walk to the River Thames, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of modern living in these Shared Ownership homes built for a greener future.

Looking Ahead – The Future of Passivhaus

As the UK moves towards a low-carbon future, Passivhaus is playing a growing role in how we design and build new homes. Forward-thinking developments like Deptford Landings show that sustainable living can be stylish, accessible, and built to last.

Passivhaus is set to become a leading force in the drive toward low-carbon living as the supply chain strengthens, and the standard becomes more attainable. For homeowners, this means access to homes that are comfortable all year round, cost less to heat, and are better for the environment.

About Peabody New Homes

Peabody New Homes are one of the largest housing providers in London and the Home Counties. Our purpose is to help people flourish. We do this by providing great homes and services and by making a positive difference to the communities we serve.

We offer high-quality new-build properties across London and the Home Counties via Shared Ownership, London Living Rent, and private sale. With over 160 years of experience and management responsibility for more than 108,000 homes, Peabody aims to help people flourish by delivering thoughtfully designed, sustainable homes in excellent locations.