4,500 sq ft Passive House at Drapers Barn
An architecturally unique Passive House new build combining Scandinavian timber frame engineering with vaulted spaces, curved external forms, and meticulous bespoke craftsmanship throughout.
FLOOR AREA
4,500 sq ft
STANDARD
Passive House
FRAME SYSTEM
Scandinavian SIP
DURATION
12 months
MAX CEILING HEIGHT
11 metres
VENTILATION
MVHR System
Foundations & Thermal Engineering
The home sits on a self-heating reinforced concrete slab approximately 300mm thick, heavily reinforced and containing 600mm of insulation beneath to maximise thermal retention. This foundation system is a critical component of the property’s Passive House performance, maintaining a consistent internal temperature throughout the year.
The building exceeds the required airtightness standards for Passive House certification, incorporating a full MVHR system to maintain indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Underfloor heating was installed throughout — not from necessity, but to provide additional comfort, as the slab itself naturally stabilises internal temperature.
Scandinavian Timber Frame Superstructure
The superstructure is a Scandinavian-designed timber frame system, manufactured to millimetre precision and delivered as SIP-style panels. These panels were craned into place, allowing rapid and highly accurate assembly that contributed to the project’s tight one-year programme.
Architecturally, the home is bold and unconventional:
- Curved external form with complex, non-linear walls
- Vaulted ceilings reaching up to 11 metres
- Seamless transitions between multiple angles and planes
- Triple-glazed windows with expansive panels drawing light deep into the interior
Exterior Envelope and Roofing
To accommodate the curved form, the roof was finished with roof shingles — providing flexibility while maintaining airtightness and insulation performance. The highly insulated envelope features triple-glazed windows with expansive panels that draw natural light deep into the interior and accentuate the scale of the vaulted spaces.
Interior Detailing and Bespoke Fit-Out
Marshall Construction delivered a complete internal finish, including:
- Bespoke curved staircase with curved glass balustrade and integrated LED lighting
- Reclaimed barn timber beams with concealed lighting
- Black battened acoustic ceilings sweeping through the main vaulted areas
- Custom ski-themed feature light reflecting the client's personal interests
- Precision finishing throughout to maintain Passive House airtightness criteria
Outcome
Drapers Barn remains one of the most technically demanding and visually striking homes Marshall Construction has delivered. Combining Scandinavian engineering, Passive House performance, dramatic architectural form and bespoke interior craftsmanship, the result is a home of exceptional comfort, sustainability and design quality.
