The new Herefordshire Archives and Records Centre is the first archive repository in the UK to achieve Passivhaus certification. The project provides a new facility containing 5 archive spaces designed to meet the requirements of the new archive standard PD5454 using a passive approach to provide a stable environment. The environmentally responsible facility provides access for the public and holds over 7800 collections of local historic records dating back to the 12th century. In addition, new offices, conservation and public access spaces over two floors provides a flexible and high quality workspace for employees and visitors alike, with integrated heat recovery ventilation, natural ventilation and highly daylit spaces with energy efficient lighting controls.

E3 were employed as part of the integrated Kier delivery team working closely with the Client, architect and key sub-contractors through to the completion of the project in November 2014, and since then we continue to be involved in Client support and building monitoring. Much of our work involved the detailed analysis and thermal simulation of the repository spaces over a wide range of scenarios, so that the client and the team can understand the operational performance of the passive designs. All work has been submitted by the client to the National Archives, and the building will no doubt be considered as a new example of simple and responsible archive and repository design.

The project was highly commended at the CIBSE Building Performance awards 2017.