Did you know it requires three times as much energy to cool a building by one degree centigrade than it does to heat it by the same amount? However, with a correctly positioned and specified exterior shading system, interior room temperatures can be reduced by more than ten degrees, which in turn can cut the energy consumption needed to cool down a hot room by more than 80%.

A new report released today has revealed that Passivhaus properties use a staggering 58% less energy than the average home. These results were generated following the first 12 months of occupancy for a three-bedroom eco-home in comparison to an ordinary British household. 

Rather than separating the individual floors, the remarkable design incorporates a double height open space to provide a glimpse of the two bedrooms above as well as the living room situated beneath the first floor. Additionally, there are two roof terraces on the second floor which provide stunning panoramic views of Lake Zurich that's located just a few hundred metres away. 

As global temperatures reach record highs, developers of cool, energy efficient homes are in high demand. And whilst overheating may not appear to be the most pressing environmental issue in Britain with our cold Winters and temperamental Summers, with 83% of Londoners suffering from an uncomfortably home in 2015, this issue is only set to escalate.

Paving the way for Passivhaus properties, meticulous attention to detail has resulted in a comfortable, urban home for the client's young family, teaming maximum functionality with minimal energy consumption.

Due to a greater awareness regarding global health and well-being, the world of architectural design is progressing at an exceptional pace, as Catherine McKeown, president of the Aberdeen Society of Architects, explains: “With the world we live in becoming ever more health conscious, it’s no surprise that healthy homes are becoming a must-have asset. The materials used in building, decorating and furnishing houses are key factors for architects seeking to create a home that’s kind to body and mind.”

James Ellimen, Operations Manager of the impressive project said: “This is a hugely significant project not only for the university and the region, but also the UK as a whole. Further to that it has been extremely exciting for us to work on such a landmark building. Delivering a Passivhaus on such a large scale is not without its challenges and we employed a number of energy efficient mechanisms to ensure that this standard was met.

However, architects Seymour-Smith's design for the site eventually won the approval of the planners making it one of only twenty properties in the UK to ever to be granted planning permission in an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The seminar will look at the rising issue of overheating in modern buildings and how external shading provides an effective solution to prevent overheating and is now a part and parcel of green eco build design.

Boasting stunning panoramic views, located in an area overlooking the River Tweed, this private dwelling was completed in 2011. The house was constructed in just six weeks during the harsh Winter of 2010 and has been designed to last 100+ years whilst taking into account the requirements of future generations.

If you're unfamiliar with the phrase Passivhaus (or Passive House) as it is otherwise known, this term refers to a building standard that is simultaneously comfortable, affordable, ecological and energy efficient. 

Having demolished the previous dwelling with the goal to create a fully sustainable home from scratch, architect Trevor and his wife Steffi successfully completed their Passivhaus project in 2013. Their impressive abode is a textbook example of what can be achieved when great design is combined with an eco-conscious approach to everyday living- and the result is nothing short of stunning.

In exactly one month's time, Caribbean Blinds will be exhibiting at Ecobuild, the UK's leading exhibition for the construction industry which places an emphasis on sustainable, innovative design. As the UK’s solar shading experts, the show offers an invaluable opportunity to see our products in action along with understanding the economic, environmental and lifestyle/productivity benefits they provide. 

Along with generating their own electricity, the eco-conscious couple also have a rainwater harvesting system. This operates by diverting water from the guttering into a 5,000-litre tank so it can be used to flush their toilets. As a result, their water bills – charged through a meter – have been reduced by about 60 per cent. 

However, despite the fact the property is designed to be fully self-sufficient, architects were keen for the property to maintain the look and feel of a 'normal' home, along with ensuring the building fitted in with its rural surroundings. 

Due to Global Warming, temperatures in megacities are estimated to rise by as much as four degrees, underlining the urgency for a sustainable and cost-effective solution to this growing issue. In fact, a recent survey by Sustainable Homes concluded that 65% of individuals (some of which are social landlords) believe there is 'real concern within their organisation regarding overheating in residential properties,' with almost half reporting they were 'extremely or very concerned' about the side effects of this issue. 

This morning The Telegraph published an article highlighting to what extent our megacities will 'slip under the waves' as a result of climate change. The article revealed how scientists believe large parts of New York, London, Shanghai and numerous other cities will be submerged by water as a result of rising sea levels, despite attempts to limit global warming by two degrees at an upcoming global warming summit. 

Last week The Chartered Institute Of Building reported that a rising number of new builds were being affected by overheating issues, particularly during the Summer months. The survey revealed that of 1,005 Londoners questioned, residents in newer homes were affected significantly more by overheating problems compared to those with older homes.

Whether you’re building an extension, renovating your existing home or embarking on a new build, one thing is guaranteed, it will include large expanses of glazing in terms of sliding/folding doors, panoramic windows and sky/roof lights.

Emma explained how, whilst initially the house was "great because I saved on bills and never ran out of hot water" during the Summer "the flat turns into a greenhouse and there’s no way of controlling the temperature. It’s an absolute nightmare at this time of year."