With sustainability at the heart of the £12.5 million residential development at Melfield Gardens in Lewisham, Whitecode Consulting’s specialist building engineering expertise was required to help the project meet Passivhaus standards.
The extensive development project, expected to be completed in 2028, involves the design and construction of 30 one-bedroom flats, two four-bedroom flats, and a community room. Set over two residential buildings, the majority of the flats will be allocated to over-55s in the local area.
Working alongside the main contractor, Jerram Falkus, subcontractor RJB Interiors, and architect Levitt Bernstein, Whitecode Consulting’s experienced MEP design team produced comprehensive Stage 4-5 designs for all mechanical and electrical utilities.
As a company that focuses heavily on sustainability, Whitecode Consulting provided extensive support and guidance throughout the project, helping the client to meet the incredibly high thermal efficiency and comfort standards set by Passivhaus through comprehensive M&E design and the utilisation of eco-friendly materials and design principles.
Will Abbott, Senior Building Services Engineer at Whitecode Consulting, revealed the Passivhaus design required all the team’s extensive sustainability and MEP design expertise and skills to overcome various challenges.
He said: “Everything was designed and certified in accordance with Passivhaus design guidelines. The Passivhaus design elements introduced a range of complexities during the course of the design process, such as the ventilation requirements that had to meet Passivhaus design standards alongside Approved Document Part F.
“This was overcome by implementing three separate speeds to ensure that all scenarios could be dealt with in the events between regular day-to-day usage. Additionally, trickle and boost ventilation rates in line with Approved Document Part F, alongside an additional lower rate to satisfy Passivhaus design standards, were provided.”
The community-focused residential development will also feature a community garden room, in which residents will be able to socialise and foster a sense of community. This major project also promotes intergenerational housing, bringing together people of various life stages and ages together in a cohesive residential environment.
As such, it will include accommodation for postgraduate students, with the younger members of the community participating in a ‘good neighbour agreement’ – dedicating a few hours each week to engage with older residents.
Situated in the convenient location of Lewisham, just on the outskirts of London, this new development has quick and easy access to a variety of useful local amenities, inviting walking opportunities, and interesting local sites.
Whitecode Consulting’s involvement in the project concluded in February 2025.
