A development in Port St Mary has won the 2017 Best Eco Home award from Build It magazine.

We reported last month that the development had been shortlisted.

The Corvalla development, on the Howe Road, was announced as the winner at a dinner in London hosted by comedian Marcus Brigstocke.

The annual event celebrates all aspects of bespoke build and renovation, including completed projects, services and suppliers.

Build It is said to be the most detailed and practical title for real builders and renovators with current or prospective projects.

The magazine’s annual awards bring together architects, manufacturers and industry figures in recognition of innovation and excellence in the custom home sector.

The Manx companies involved in the project included Complete Construction Services and energy services and renewable technology specialists SNX Ltd.

James Vickers of Complete Construction Services said: ’We are all absolutely delighted but still rather shocked to win against such stiff opposition.

’I really thought that to win such a prestigious award would require something very expensive and complicated. All we have done is taken a very cost effective and brilliant Beattie Passive system and built it well.

’I really hope that we can go on to build more homes of the same standard. I am eternally grateful to Kevin and Emma Kniveton, who took the leap of faith and allowed us to be so innovative with their new home.’

Corvalla, a four-bedroom ’passive house’, high on the Howe Road above Port St Mary with views to the coast and designed in a Manx vernacular style, is believed to be the most energy efficient house on the Isle of Man, through adoption of the award winning, Beattie Passive system build.

The builders say it cost about 13% more to build such a house than a conventional one.

Adaptable to virtually any style or architectural design, the completed development hides a structure built to the highest system design methodology, delivering a home that is so smartly insulated, design efficient and air-tight, that a traditional type of central heating system is simply unnecessary.

The factory-produced system was built entirely on the Isle of Man under the SNX licence by Complete Construction’s island-based workforce, before being erected on site with all materials locally-sourced wherever possible.

The Beattie Passive system is all modelled in Revit, building information modelling software (BIM) that allows users to design a building, its structure and components in 3D, annotate the model with 2D drafting elements, and access building information from the building model’s database.

This allows fast on-site erection with minimal material wastage, as every component is itemised within the Revit design package for each unit.

Steve Brown, managing director of Castletown-based SNX, said: ’Once again, we bring an appropriate, affordable, ground breaking system to the Isle of Man and the smart investors reap the benefit.

’All at SNX are proud to have been a part of this wonderful project. The Beattie Passive system has enormous scope and versatility and is tailor-made for government social housing, but unfortunately there appears to be little appetite from the public sector for progress beyond aesthetics and what short term capital expenditure can deliver.

’Their procurement system is deeply flawed and does not recognise true value, either in financial or health benefit terms, even when everything is manufactured and built here by local people.

’Thankfully we have projects within the island’s private sector but sadly a greater amount of our attention is turning to the UK due to greater awareness, comprehension and demand for the things we do.’

Beattie Passive’s system can be adapted for either commercial or residential use.

It is the first system in the UK to be awarded certification as a complete build system by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany.

Beattie Passive has just won the 2017 Best Passive House Design Company UK Award at the Sustainable Building Awards.

The new build Beattie Passive system will reduce energy demand by up to 90%, the company claims.

A mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system incorporated in to the house structure, changing the air several times an hour.

A statement from SNX reads: ’With far higher levels of fire safety, sound-proofing, thermal efficiency and air tightness than called for by building regulations, every single property must pass a rigorous testing programme to measure the thermal efficiency through a thermographic survey, the air leakage through an air tightness test and sound and noise levels through acoustic testing when appropriate, as well as a dedicated structural survey.

’Every property must achieve the required standard in each instance to gain certification from Beattie Passive. Only a small step remains to a full zero carbon development which could be achieved through a solar PV installation for example.’

Corvalla owner Kevin Kniveton said: ’My experience of my new passive system home has surpassed all my expectations. I knew that my utility bills would be a fraction of what I would ordinarily pay in a traditionally built home, but even I was surprised at how low my quarterly bills have been over the most demanding months. I just can’t understand why all homes are not built this way.’

SNX and Complete Construction have regularly been recognised, both individually, and in collaboration at the government’s annual energy awards for their major private sector eco-house developments in both contemporary and traditional styles.

SNX says: ’The future would appear bright for further "passive" developments in the Isle of Man, at least in the private sector where an understanding of the merits and true value of the system is now being recognised and acted upon.

’The opportunity is now there for the Isle of Man to create a cultural shift in acceptance and adoption of ethical construction which would both reduce the financial burden on taxpayers, remove fuel poverty and establish a higher quality of living and working conditions for all concerned.’

Ron Beattie, chairman of Beattie Passive, said: ’Beattie Passive are very pleased to see the first house delivered on the island, and Corvalla is a great example of a successful partnership with SNX and Complete Construction Services.

’As a team we look forward to delivering many more high quality, Passivhaus homes across the island.’