currently requires a minimum 7-star energy efficiency rating, but standard Matthew considers that requirement a floor, not a ceiling. “Seven out of ten isn’t a very high score,” he says. “Passive House takes it to the next level.” A Passive House is built to be airtight, with higher levels of insulation, better glazing and shading, and mechanical ventilation running 24 hours a day to every room in the home. Unlike conventional builds that only ventilate bathrooms and kitchens, a Passive House ensures constant fresh air throughout – using barely more electricity than a light globe to run the system. With solar panels and no gas connection, the ongoing energy costs are minimal. “It costs about 10 to 15 per cent more to build this way upfront,” Matthew acknowledges, “but over the next 10 to 15 years, that pays itself off. After that, it’s basically costing you nothing. And it’s a more comfortable home – warm in winter, cooler in summer. Some people do it because they don’t want to burn fossil fuels. Others do it because the home simply feels better to live in. Both are good reasons.” The Preston project was made possible by a client who was enthusiastic about pushing the boundaries on energy efficiency – and it’s now the benchmark Mesh wants to bring to more of its work. Looking ahead, Matthew’s vision for the firm is to do more sustainability-centric projects like that one. To that end, he hopes to do more new builds, where energy efficiency targets are easier to achieve than in period home retrofits. He’s also APRIL 2026
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