Sustainability Report

Knox Bhaven rebuilt within the existing Victorian envelope, including excavating the basement, waterproofing, levelling floors, and installing a new insulated roof. This approach retained the home’s historic essence and saved embodied carbon when compared to rebuilding. 

Oak joinery, stainless steel worktops, Corian surfaces, and micro-concrete finishes were chosen for longevity, reducing the need for future replacement.

The project’s greatest sustainability challenge was balancing high performance and low embodied carbon within a compact footprint. Knox Bhaven achieved ambitious airtightness and insulation targets while preserving usable floor area and ceiling heights.

Operational carbon savings

• The house runs entirely on electricity, minimising its carbon footprint.
• A concealed photovoltaic system on the flat roof supplies clean electricity, with an on-site battery storing energy for later use.
• An air source heat pump, integrated seamlessly within the restricted rooftop space, efficiently manages heating and hot water. 
• A large 4.5 × 1.5 metre rooflight and carefully arranged windows bring daylight deep into the narrow plan, reducing artificial lighting demand.
• The central sculptural staircase with open risers acts as a light conduit, connecting floors and reducing the need for artificial lighting.
• Precise detailing and performance-minded upgrades, including insulated membranes, waterproofing, and thermal efficiency, extend the building’s lifespan and reduce future energy and material waste.