Delivering architects vision for energy efficient homes - a contractor's perspective

Discover the builder’s perspective on sustainable homes at the “coal-face.” While insights from architects and consultants are invaluable, it’s on-site builders like Richard Coles—Passivhaus-certified professional and founder of Richard Coles Building Ltd—who truly grapple with the complexities of turning design visions into reality. In this candid session, Richard shares the real challenges and frustrations faced in delivering energy-efficient homes that meet architects’ ambitions and clients’ high expectations—all on time and within budget. Richard will be in conversation with Will Kirkman from Ecomerchant. They discuss: Practical barriers to building genuinely sustainable homes Tips for balancing client dreams with actual site constraints Strategies for managing costs, communication, and deadlines How to close the “performance gap” between design and build quality Richard founded his construction company 40 years ago upon a single simple principle; to create bespoke homes that surpass clients’ expectations, bringing their ideas to life. Today, as a CIOB and AECB certified business, he provide his clients with a fully coordinated build solution both for self- builds and refurbishment projects that incorporate sustainable build and Passivhaus principles and practices wherever possible. He is passionate about contemporary designs, which often lend themselves to eco-friendly and environmentally sound structures. He feels very strongly that eradicating fuel poverty and building homes using sustainable energy efficient practices has to be the way forward.