THE PROJECT

After many enjoyable years as architects in London, we decided the time was right to seek more space and a better work life balance outside London.

Alongside these aspirations was a desire to do a project and learn more about the Passivhaus concept.  The opportunity arose to buy a dilapidated early '60s box of a house in south Manchester, providing the perfect blank canvas.

Our brief was to develop a design that:
-  remodelled the fabric, but remained true to the original house
-  be certifiable to a recognised Passivhaus standard without compromising on design, and
-  be simple and affordable.

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RUSSEL HAYDEN

Russel has spent his working life in London, most recently at Nicholas Hare Architects on a broad range of projects including Cardiff Oval Basin and the New Student Center for UCL.  Russel led NHA's Environment Group.  He has recently become a Certified Passivhaus Designer and is designing, project managing and building The Box.

ANNA HESKETH

Anna spent ten years at Stanton Williams working in the cultural sector, including projects for the V&A, the British Museum and the Britten-Pears Foundation.  Anna is currently Project Director for the new Special Exhibitions Gallery at Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry.