A generous, calm and deeply considered home
Passivhaus

Duck End Barns

A Passivhaus Premium home in rural Cambridgeshire featured in the Sunday Times

Set in a village south of Cambridge, the house has been designed with a clear focus on quality of space, comfort and long-term living. It reflects a thoughtful approach to everyday life, shaped by how the spaces are used rather than by short-term trends. Throughout the house, attention to detail and material choice underpins a sense of quiet refinement.

A Low-Energy Home Designed for Comfort, Health and Long-Term Sustainability

From the outset, Duck End Barns was conceived as a high-performance home, with the design developed using Passivhaus methodology and PHPP energy modelling to minimise energy demand and maximise comfort.

The building has been designed with the ambition of achieving Passivhaus Plus certification, subject to final testing, verification and accreditation. The house incorporates the core principles that underpin Passivhaus performance:

A highly insulated, airtight building envelope
Careful control of thermal bridges
Triple-glazed, high-performance windows
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)
An integrated renewable energy strategy

Together, these measures are intended to deliver exceptional thermal comfort, excellent indoor air quality and very low operational energy use — outcomes that matter just as much to occupants as they do to the planet. These performance qualities underpin a house that feels quietly calm, designed for long-term enjoyment and lasting comfort.

A Home Built for Everyday Living — Now and in the Future

Beyond energy metrics, the ambition for Duck End Barns was always centred on how the house feels to live in. Bespoke lighting and high-quality integrated storage are designed into the fabric of the building, supporting calm interiors and uncluttered, adaptable spaces.

A walk-in pantry, discreetly concealed behind the kitchen, allows everyday practicalities to be kept out of sight, while a dedicated media room provides a more intimate setting within the house.

The layout prioritises daylight, long views and a strong connection between inside and out, extending to an outdoor kitchen that supports relaxed living and entertaining throughout the year.

“For us, Duck End Barns had to be more than a house — it had to be a place we’d truly enjoy for the rest of our lives. Every material, every space, every detail was chosen with that intention.” Stephen, homeowner.

Sustainability — Designed In, Not Added On

Sustainability at Duck End Barns is not limited to operational energy. The project also considers:

Long-life, low-maintenance materials
Renewable energy generation integrated into the architecture
A landscape strategy that supports biodiversity and water management
A fabric-first approach that reduces reliance on complex systems

This holistic view reflects Archangel’s belief that the most sustainable buildings are those that are well-loved, well-used and built to last.

Designed for Long-Term Living

Adaptability and ease of use were key considerations from the outset. The house is arranged to support changing needs over time, with generous circulation, flexible accommodation and a built-in lift discreetly integrated into the plan.

Guest accommodation is clearly defined, private spaces are well separated from shared areas, and the overall organisation allows the house to function comfortably for both everyday living and hosting. The intention has always been to create a home that remains practical, comfortable and enjoyable as its owners’ needs evolve.

The interiors reflect a strong emphasis on craft and detail. Finishes and fittings have been selected for their durability, tactility and performance, contributing to a calm and refined atmosphere throughout. Bespoke joinery, carefully integrated lighting and custom elements — including a solid concrete staircase cast as a single piece — give the house a sense of permanence and solidity.

You can read the Sunday Times article here.