Etch was appointed as Passivhaus and sustainability consultants for the High Barnet Station development, supporting the project through RIBA Stages 0–2.We played a pivotal role in shaping the project’s energy strategy,successfully demonstrating to the Greater London Authority that a decentralised approach was the most appropriate solution for Barratt’s Passivhaus delivery. This work resulted in a formal derogation from the standard London Plan Policy SI2.
Our energy team authored a series of technical white papers to underpin the proposed Nilan Exhaust Air Heat Pump(EAHP) strategy and led detailed workshops with the GLA, clearly evidencing its advantages in terms of cost efficiency, carbon reduction, buildability, and long-term operation and maintenance.
Working collaboratively with the wider design team, our Passivhaus specialists optimised building form and façade performance, enabling Barratt’s low-energy specification to achieve all Passivhaus criteria with robust performance margins. Etch also delivered whole-life carbon and circular economy assessments for planning,ensuring compliance with TfL’s Sustainability Development Framework. Overall, we ensured the scheme meets Passivhaus standards while delivering high levels of occupant comfort and long-term environmental performance.
