Timber Innovations, experts in timber frame and structural insulated panel (SIP) construction, used SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT for the Duck End Barns Passivhaus project in Cambridgeshire. This five-bedroom home combines sustainable design with natural materials, promoting health and well-being while achieving outstanding energy efficiency. Designed by Archangel Architects, it blends perfectly into its rural surroundings and sets a benchmark for sustainable living.
SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT was key to the award-winning Larsen Truss twin-stud wall system, recognised for its ability to reduce thermal bridging and simplify construction. The highly engineered OSB panels helped achieve the Passivhaus airtightness standard of 0.6 Air Changes per Hour (ACH), replacing traditional airtight membranes with an easier, more effective solution.
Simplifying Passivhaus construction
Passivhaus construction demands rigorous performance for thermal bridging, thermal insulation and airtightness. SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT helps to meet these demands by simultaneously addressing both vapour control layer (VCL) and air barrier requirements. Airtightness is engineered directly into the OSB panel substrate, while SMARTPLY’s advanced surfacing technology ensures an integrated vapour barrier across the entire surface. By eliminating the need for separate membranes and reducing reliance on weather-dependent installations, the construction process was significantly streamlined.
Aesthetic and environmental harmony
Timber Innovations brings a unique touch to low-energy homes with exposed or highlighted glued laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber (CLT). These materials combine structural strength with the natural beauty of wood, adding warmth and character to architectural designs while emphasising sustainability and craftsmanship.
A vision for sustainable living
Duck End Barns showcases thoughtful integration that is sensitive to its rural setting. Built on a previously developed farmyard, the home features a C-shaped layout that creates a sheltered courtyard while maintaining a discreet, low-profile aesthetic. The black timber roof and walls align with the agricultural context, seamlessly blending the home into its surroundings.
Key features of the Duck End Barns project:
- Energy efficiency: Designed with low energy demand in mind, the project incorporates renewable energy solutions such as photovoltaic panels and ground-source heat pumps.
- Sustainable materials: Timber was chosen for the frame and exterior finish, reflecting its recyclability and carbon-sequestering properties.
- Water and waste management: The development integrates rainwater harvesting and on-site sewage treatment to reduce its environmental footprint further.
This project demonstrates how innovative materials like SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT, paired with outstanding architectural design, can deliver energy-efficient, sustainable homes.
You can find a link to images of the project here: MEDITE SMARTPLY – Duck End Barns case study
