Step 4: Find Your Team
An architect, builder, and technology installer who all genuinely understand low-energy work, not just standard practice — here's what to look for in each.
None of these are a searchable directory today — just honest guidance on the questions that separate someone who genuinely understands low-energy work from someone who's just following a standard spec.
Not every architect designs for airtightness, solar orientation, and fabric-first performance. Ask about their experience with Passivhaus or equivalent standards, how they approach solar orientation and overheating risk, and how early they coordinate with MVHR, heat pump, and solar installers during design.
A perfect design can still underperform if it isn't built with the same care on site. Look for contractors who can talk confidently about hitting a specific air permeability target, test airtightness during the build rather than only at the end, and coordinate with MVHR, heat pump, and solar installers rather than treating them as separate trades.
Heat pumps, solar, MVHR, and batteries only perform well — and stay affordable — when sized to your home's actual heat loss and energy use. Ask any installer for a heat loss calculation specific to your home, not a rule-of-thumb estimate, and how your heating, solar, and battery choices will work together as one system.
Whichever stage you're at, the fastest way to get personal guidance is a free project evaluation.