Noades Architects offers expert passive house design services by certified designers. Create a low-energy, comfortable home built to last.
At Noades Architects, we offer expert Passive House design services to help you create homes that are comfortable, energy-efficient, and built to last. As certified passive house designers and a RIBA Chartered Practice based in Chorleywood, we work with homeowners, developers and professionals across Hertfordshire and beyond. Whether you’re planning a new home, extension or renovation, we provide thoughtful, low-energy design that meets passive house standards while reflecting your vision and lifestyle.
We specialise in passive House design for clients who want homes that are built to perform. Every project we take on is tailored to meet your needs, your site, and your long-term goals, whether you’re creating a new home from the ground up or upgrading an existing property.
Our team supports you from concept to completion, offering clear guidance and flexible solutions at every stage. We design homes that use less energy, reduce running costs and provide year-round comfort, all while delivering a clean, modern aesthetic.
With experience in both new builds and complex refurbishments, we help you make confident decisions that align with passive house standards and your personal priorities
We understand that choosing the right architect is an important decision, especially when it comes to designing a low-energy, sustainable home. We offer a practical, personalised service backed by real expertise in passive House design.
Certified passive House designers with in-depth knowledge of energy-efficient building standards
A RIBA Chartered Practice with over 20 years of architectural experience
Founded and led by Matt Noades, with a strong track record in residential design
Based in Chorleywood, serving Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and surrounding areas
A friendly, client-led approach with clear communication throughout the project
Experience in both new builds and complex renovations
Fully tailored design services, aligned with your vision, budget and sustainability goals
We offer a full range of architectural services to help you achieve a low-energy, high-comfort home. Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving an existing property, our approach to passive House design ensures performance, comfort and long-term value.
From the first concept to detailed technical drawings, we provide architectural solutions that align with the passive House standard while respecting your design preferences. We focus on space, light, orientation, and materials to create homes that are both functional and beautiful.
We produce accurate technical information to support planning, building control, and construction. This includes air-tightness strategies, thermal bridge-free detailing, and guidance on passive House-approved products and systems.
If you’re looking to upgrade an existing home, we offer design-led retrofit solutions that improve energy performance, comfort, and aesthetics. We’ll help you assess feasibility, set clear goals, and deliver real improvements using passive House principles (EnerPHit, where required).
We handle planning applications and liaise with consultants, energy modellers, and contractors to keep your project moving. Our team ensures every stage is aligned with the passive House approach, from early design through to construction.
Our passive House design process is structured, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. Here’s how we guide you from concept to completion:
We discuss your goals, site, budget, and explain how passive House design can work for your project.
We create early design ideas that balance comfort, layout, and energy efficiency.
Detailed drawings and specifications are developed, including airtightness, insulation, and PHPP modelling.
We prepare and submit planning applications and ensure building regulations align with passive House standards.
We support contractor selection and stay involved to ensure the design is followed on-site.
We assist with final checks and certification, providing continued support to ensure long-term performance.
Ready to explore the benefits of passive house design for your home or development? Whether you’re building new or upgrading an existing property, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. As experienced passive house designers, we’ll help you create a home that’s energy-efficient, comfortable and built to last.
Passive house design is a building approach focused on creating highly energy-efficient homes that require minimal heating or cooling. It uses careful planning, high insulation, airtightness, and quality ventilation to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.
Certified passive house designers understand the technical standards, performance requirements, and detailing needed to meet the passive house standard. They ensure your home is not only efficient but also healthy, comfortable, and cost-effective to run.
Yes. Our passive house renovation services help upgrade older homes by improving insulation, airtightness, and ventilation, often following the EnerPHit standard for retrofits.
As early as possible. Passive house performance relies on good planning, orientation and detailing, all of which start in the concept stage. Early involvement ensures smoother delivery and better results.
Yes. We manage the full process, from passive house building design and planning submissions to technical detailing and construction support.
ready to start your project? fill in the form below with your details and a brief outline of your project and one of our team will be in touch!
