Hayrick - Essex

This Passivhaus Plus home pairs barn-inspired charm with cutting-edge sustainability. Straw-panel walls, timber framing, and smart tech deliver comfort, style, and net-negative carbon emissions.

Learn more about this project and read about it achieving the rare Passivhaus Plus status in our news articles. Photographs of the project by Matthew Smith Architectural Photography.

PartnersStanley Bragg Architects.
Internorm windows and doors.
SectorPrivate Residential
Project HighlightsIsoquick raft foundation.
EcoCocon straw-panel frame with Steico insulation.
Warmcell cellulose insulation.
Corrugated metal roof over British Larch timbers.
Ultra-quiet MVHR whole-house ventilation.
Vaillant Arotherm Plus air-source heat pump.
High-efficiency Zehnder heat recovery (up to 96%).
Exceptional insulation (0.70 W/m2K average U-values.
Size98m²
Completion Date2025
RecognitionPassivhaus Plus certified (net-energy exporter).
Residential Project of the Year (CEEC 2026).
Featured in RIBA East site visits, webinars and publications.
Wide landscape view of Hayrick barn-inspired sustainable home across an open field in Essex, featuring black weatherboard cladding and rooftop solar panels. Photo by Matthew Smith.
Exterior elevation of Hayrick featuring dark timber weatherboard cladding, integrated rooftop solar PV panels, and natural wild grasses in the foreground. Photo by Matthew Smith.
Close-up architectural detail showing dark weatherboard siding meeting corrugated roofing materials at Hayrick. Photo by Matthew Smith.
Detailed view under dark timber roof eaves and corrugated overhang looking out over surrounding open countryside fields. Photo by Matthew Smith.
Straight-on exterior view of Hayrick's black timber weatherboard elevation with large glass patio doors and corrugated roof. Photo by Matthew Smith.
Angled exterior perspective of Hayrick showing sloped corrugated roof, dark weatherboard wall cladding, and gravel pathway. Photo by Matthew Smith.
Architectural framing under dark roof eaves looking towards neighboring traditional agricultural barn structures. Photo by Matthew Smith.
Open-plan interior featuring high vaulted ceilings, modern kitchen island, dining setup, and terrazzo polished concrete flooring at Hayrick. Photo by Matthew Smith.
Spacious living and dining space with high ceilings, black track lighting, and wide glass doors opening to the countryside. Photo by Matthew Smith.
View across dark modern kitchen island towards double-height open-plan living room with exposed ceiling ridge beam. Photo by Matthew Smith.
Contemporary dark grey kitchen featuring integrated induction cooktop, window sill plant, and linear black track lighting. Photo by Matthew Smith.
Bright interior hallway featuring natural plaster walls, gabled vaulted ceilings, exposed timber beams, and terrazzo flooring. Photo by Matthew Smith.
Modern minimalist bathroom with light grey wall tiles, wall-hung toilet, chrome heated towel rail, and potted plant. Photo by Matthew Smith.
Close-up detail of deep plaster window reveal and double-glazed window with integrated Venetian blinds. Photo by Matthew Smith.
View framed through an interior doorway showing a person seated at the dining table in Hayrick's double-height living space. Photo by Matthew Smith.
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