Start your Passivhaus self‑build with confidence

Download the Passivhaus Starter Pack (Free)

A clear, Scotland‑specific guide to the 5 Passivhaus principles — and how they shape your design, budget, and build decisions.

Start Your Passivhaus Journey

A guide designed for Scottish climate, regulations, and budgets

What’s Inside the Starter Pack?

  • The 5 Passivhaus principles explained simply — what they mean and why they matter.

  • How each principle affects your design and budget — the real implications for layout, materials, and early decisions.

  • Guidance tailored to Scotland — climate, regulations, and the construction approaches you’ll actually encounter here.

  • A clear roadmap for starting your self‑build — the first steps to take and the common pitfalls to avoid.

  • Key questions to ask your architect or builder — so you stay in control from day one.

Who This Is For?

  • Scottish self‑builders planning a new home and wanting to understand Passivhaus properly.

  • Homeowners exploring low‑energy or high‑comfort design and unsure where to begin.

  • People comparing build systems and wanting to avoid costly mistakes early.

  • Anyone who wants clear, practical guidance before speaking to an architect or committing to a design.

Passivhaus is coming.

Get ahead.

Scotland is updating its standards are raising the bar toward Passivhaus performance. Ensure your new home meets the future, not the past.

Consistent warmth all year with no cold spots or draughts.

Healthier indoor air thanks to continuous fresh‑air ventilation.

Lower running costs through ultra‑efficient design and construction.

Long‑term durability with building fabric that performs for decades.

About Us

We’re h|ARCHITECTstudio — a Scotland‑based architectural practice led by Donal‑James Hardy and Tom Herd. We specialise in guiding self‑builders through the early stages of designing warmer, healthier, low‑energy homes. Our approach is deisgn-led, Scotland‑specific, and focused on giving you clarity and confidence from day one. We help you understand the implications of Passivhaus‑level performance, navigate local regulations, and make informed decisions that shape a better home.

Get Your Passivhaus Starter Pack

Start your project with clarity and confidence. The Passivhaus Starter Pack gives you the essential guidance to understand Scotland’s evolving standards, explore your options, and make informed early decisions for a warmer, healthier, low‑energy home.

Enter your email to receive your free Starter Pack.