The Rise of Passivhaus: What It Means for Façade and Structural Design

As energy efficiency becomes a top priority for Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex developers and policymakers, Passivhaus is gaining ground as the benchmark for sustainable building design. This shift is already reshaping the way engineers approach structural and façade design - and it’s changing fast.

So, what does this growing movement mean for construction professionals across the capital? And how are engineering teams like those from JMS Engineers and GC Robertson adapting to meet new performance demands?

What is Passivhaus - and why now?

Passivhaus (or Passive House) is a leading low-energy building standard, requiring buildings to use as much as 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to traditional builds. In a city where energy costs are high and climate targets are tightening, it’s easy to see why developers are paying attention.

National developers such as Barratt have already committed to bringing Passivhaus standards to new flats across the UK. That signals a major shift in how buildings are designed - and how they’re engineered.

Façade engineering for airtight performance

One of the biggest challenges - and opportunities - comes with the building envelope. For engineers involved in façade design, Passivhaus introduces a new layer of performance criteria: airtightness, thermal efficiency, and minimal thermal bridging, all while maintaining architectural intent.

At REFEA, the façade and structural teams work in close coordination with architects to meet these strict energy targets. The aim is to deliver high-performance envelopes that are both functional and visually impressive, supporting sustainable outcomes without compromising design.

Structural precision from day one

Meeting Passivhaus standards requires more than post-design adaptations. From the very start of a project, structural engineering must allow for precise detailing: insulation layers, vapour barriers, and junctions that eliminate cold bridging.

REFEA brings this foresight to the table early in the design process. The team ensures structural frameworks align seamlessly with energy performance requirements-without disrupting buildability or driving up costs unnecessarily.

Why it matters to East Anglia's construction sector

The move toward Passivhaus is not just about meeting a new standard - it’s about futureproofing projects. Developers who build to these standards now are getting ahead of regulation, adding long-term value, and appealing to an increasingly climate-conscious market.

Contractors, too, benefit from working with engineers who understand the technical requirements of Passivhaus construction - and how to apply them without delays or redesigns on site.

REFEA supports both structural and civil aspects of energy-efficient construction across East Anglia and beyond. With a collaborative approach and deep understanding of sustainable design integration, the team helps clients deliver Passivhaus-ready projects with confidence.

Planning a high-performance development in East Anglia?

REFEA delivers structural and civil engineering support for energy-efficient buildings that meet the challenges of tomorrow.