Project Snapshot

Client – HARP (Homeless Action Resource Project)

The Challenge - To deliver Passivhaus accommodation for people experiencing homelessness, creating 50 rooms and communal spaces that are affordable to operate, comfortable to live in, and deliver long‑term social value on a constrained site.

What WARM did - WARM acted as Passivhaus Designer and Consultant, supporting the project team through design development and helping resolve key buildability challenges, including complex dormer details and cost‑effective delivery of Passivhaus performance. The team were enthusiastic for Passivhaus but inexperienced and so the guidance WARM could provide was important

Why it matters - Bluebird demonstrates how Passivhaus can be applied to supported housing, delivering low running costs for a charity and a high‑quality living environment for residents transitioning to independent living.

Project Overview

Bluebird is a Passivhaus residential development in Southend‑on‑Sea providing 50 rooms and shared spaces for people recovering from homelessness.

The project reflects a shared ambition between client and design team to deliver high‑quality, sustainable housing that prioritises comfort, dignity and long‑term affordability.

Within a constrained budget, the project adopts air source heat pumps for heating and hot water, alongside a highly insulated twin stud timber frame. Careful material choices, including Warmcel recycled newspaper insulation and durable, low‑impact finishes, support long‑term performance while creating a comfortable and adaptable living environment for residents.

The Challenge

The site introduced constraints that directly affected the building form, including the need for dormer windows, which are a known challenge in achieving robust Passivhaus detailing.

Alongside this, the project needed to balance: low energy performance; cost control for a charity client, and; practical, deliverable construction solutions to ensure the scheme could be realised without compromising quality.

The WARM difference

Resolving complex details through design iteration

Dormer windows were a key technical challenge on the project. WARM worked with the design team through multiple iterations to develop a solution that could be delivered within a standard timber frame approach, helping manage both cost and buildability.

Supporting informed decision‑making

A core part of WARM’s role was identifying where proposed details could introduce complexity or additional cost. By feeding this back early, we enabled the client to make informed decisions and maintain control of the project as it developed.

Delivering Passivhaus for a social outcome

WARM’s involvement supported the successful delivery of a Passivhaus scheme aligned with the client’s goals — achieving low running costs and a healthy internal environment for residents, while maintaining design intent and budget constraints

Why this project matters

Bluebird delivers high‑quality, energy‑efficient housing that reduces operational costs for the charity and provides a stable, comfortable environment for residents.

The project demonstrates how Passivhaus can be successfully applied to projects with constrained budgets and reinforces the value of practical, buildable design input.

Client Testimonials

"We found the support and guidance provided by WARM to be invaluable, you embraced the project and helped us through a very steep learning curve to achieve a really special project.

“Bluebird” was one of the first of its kind to create a row of passive house buildings to accommodate individuals experiencing homelessness, and has gone on to achieve substantial recognition within the architectural and construction field , all of which we are very proud.

More importantly the sympathetic incorporation of the passive house features has created a truly wonderful place to live for our residents, so thank you."

Awards

Civic Trust Awards 2025 - Regional Finalist

RIBA Stephen Lawrence prize 2024 - Shortlisted

RIBA East Award 2024 - Winner

RIBA East Sustainability Award 2024 - Winner

Photo Credit: Billy Haynes

Project Information

• Passivhaus Classic
• 50 rooms for supported living