EcoHaus Design Competition | Dorset
Sunday Times British Homes Awards – Short-listed Entry
Sponsored by the Passivhaus Trust
As part of the Sunday Times British Homes Awards, this national design competition sought an innovative and aspirational waterside holiday home that meets Passivhaus standards—offering both environmental performance and architectural excellence.
Our response, PassivPod, reimagines the traditional holiday home as a biophilic, low-impact retreat—an organic, visually harmonious structure that celebrates sustainability and wellbeing in equal measure.
Breaking away from the conventional “box-like” dwelling, PassivPod features a flowing, organic form, clad in natural materials that allow it to blend gently into its landscape. The design promotes deep connection with nature, through large expanses of floor-to-ceiling glazing, curvilinear interiors, and an open, informal layout that encourages outdoor living and immersion in the environment.
Built to rigorous Passivhaus standards, PassivPod offers exceptionally low energy and water use, ensuring year-round comfort with minimal running costs. The building envelope is super-insulated and airtight, while a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR) maintains excellent indoor air quality and thermal comfort throughout all seasons.
Key sustainable technologies include:
A hybrid solar roof generating 4.2kWp via flexible PV cells.
An integrated thermal pipework system beneath the roof finish, which cools the PV panels and heats a 500-litre thermal store—contributing significantly to hot water supply.
Natural daylighting, passive solar orientation, and water-efficient systems throughout.
The proposed site layout adopts an informal cluster approach that complements outdoor lifestyles and encourages biodiversity—creating a development that feels part of the landscape, not imposed upon it.
PassivPod is a celebration of sustainable design, combining cutting-edge environmental performance with calming, nature-inspired architecture—an ideal model for future eco-tourism developments.
"Mark came up with a wonderful design which maximises the natural attributes of our rural site”
Geoff & Gail Aucock
“Mark’s contribution has been invaluable. I have recommended him to others and I would be happy to work with him again”
Ruth Stoton
“Mark has been very straight-forward and professional and has given me sound practical advice.”
Roger Ross
“Working with Mark was a fantastic experience from start to finish. We couldn't have been happier with the end result.”
Andrew & Emma Wilkie
"It's his quiet confidence that makes you feel more confident about what it is you’re doing. We would definitely recommend working with Mark from Koru."
Adele O’Hehir
"Koru Architects have been a 'breath of fresh air’ in helping me develop my concept and taking this through to design."
Gino Fox
"Mark’s designs have been very innovative, making good use of a difficult site. His service has pleased me enormously!"
Herb Etkin
Ready to discuss a project? Get in touch today.
01273 204065
info@koruarchitects.co.uk
Studio 221, 91 Western Road,
Brighton and Hove, BN1 2NW
Subscribe to our newsletter.
Get access to latest news and all the features by subscribing here.
Website managed by Insight Consultancy