Architectural technician Philip Newbold of New Bold Design describes how he overcome strict planning rules and a tight budget to build his sensitively designed, super low energy home in an area of outstanding natural beauty

For self-builder James Byrne, building to the passive house standard was just one element of an approach that aimed to drastically reduce the environmental impact of his house — built from a hemp and lime system, it also features solar collectors, rainwater harvesting and natural wastewater treatment.

Despite its stop-start beginnings, this cottage in the west of Ireland delivers a traditional-but-stylish design with close-to-passive performance.