urbanest’s Battersea PBSA project crowned UK’s largest Passivhaus building
The urbanest Battersea purpose-built student accommodation project has achieved a milestone in the sector – it is the UK’s biggest Passivhaus- certified building.
It is also the eighth largest in the world after clinching accreditation from the Passivhaus Institute.
Nestled near the iconic Battersea Power Station, this development houses 853 students in a setting that prioritises sustainability and comfort.
Sustainable student accommodation
Angus Kearin, the head of development at urbanest, said: “We’re delighted that urbanest Battersea has now achieved Passivhaus certification to become the largest Passivhaus building in the UK, setting the standard for sustainable student accommodation .
“From the start, we wanted our Battersea development to be an exemplar for future projects not only in London but in cities all over the world that need to respond to the net zero challenge.”
He added: “This is just the beginning of our Passivhaus journey, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Passivhaus Institute to achieve accreditation at urbanest Canary Wharf, and all further urbanest schemes going forward.”
Slashes demand for energy
The Passivhaus approach eliminates the need for traditional heating, harnessing sunlight, internal warmth and advanced heat recovery systems.
This slashes energy demands for heating and cooling by up to 90% compared to standard buildings and by more than 75% against typical new constructions.
Rigorous airtightness tests ensure thermal bridges are minimised, while superior glazing and insulation recapture up to 80% of heat.
Ventilation systems maintain a cool interior during summer without energy loss, and the project also meets the prestigious Breeam 2018 Outstanding benchmark.
Nine PBSA sites in London
Positioned at the northern edge of the Battersea Design and Tech Quarter, the four-block complex rises progressively from 11 to 19 storeys.
Its striking glazed terracotta exterior in hues of red, green and blue, pays homage to the area’s industrial past.
Since welcoming students in September 2024, the site – which spans a treated floor area of more than 17,964 square metres - offers ensuite rooms, studios, a cinema space, fitness centre and rooftop terraces boasting panoramic city views.
Since 2008, urbanest has launched nine PBSA sites in London and plans are already underway for an even grander scheme at Canary Wharf – which is poised to become the world’s largest residential Passivhaus building by 2026.
Passivhaus student living
Dragos Arnautu, the building certifier at the Passivhaus Institut, said: “urbanest Battersea exemplifies the benefits and innovation of Passivhaus design applied to student living.
“Delivering unmatched energy efficiency, Passivhaus buildings maintain consistent indoor temperatures and superior air quality, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.
“Students benefit from a thermally stable space conducive to focus and relaxation, while the integration of renewable energy sources aligns with broader climate goals.”
He adds: “This building also stands out for prioritising community and modern amenities, offering a holistic lifestyle that balances sustainability with urban convenience.”
Energy-efficient student properties
Simon Thompson, the managing director of Accommodation for Students, said: "The unveiling of urbanest Battersea as the UK's largest Passivhaus-certified building signals what could be an interesting shift for PBSA landlords.
"This eco-friendly creation blends cutting-edge sustainability with modern living and sets an impressive benchmark for the future of student housing."
He added: "For many student landlords, this should also be a call to embrace energy-efficient student properties as a savvy investment in long-term value and tenant appeal.
"With urbanest already eyeing an even more impressive Passivhaus project in Canary Wharf, it looks like green innovation will reshape the landscape of student lettings."
The urbanest Battersea purpose-built student accommodation project has achieved a milestone in the sector – it is the UK’s biggest Passivhaus- certified building.
It is also the eighth largest in the world after clinching accreditation from the Passivhaus Institute.
Nestled near the iconic Battersea Power Station, this development houses 853 students in a setting that prioritises sustainability and comfort.
Sustainable student accommodation
Angus Kearin, the head of development at urbanest, said: “We’re delighted that urbanest Battersea has now achieved Passivhaus certification to become the largest Passivhaus building in the UK, setting the standard for sustainable student accommodation .
“From the start, we wanted our Battersea development to be an exemplar for future projects not only in London but in cities all over the world that need to respond to the net zero challenge.”
He added: “This is just the beginning of our Passivhaus journey, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Passivhaus Institute to achieve accreditation at urbanest Canary Wharf, and all further urbanest schemes going forward.”
Slashes demand for energy
The Passivhaus approach eliminates the need for traditional heating, harnessing sunlight, internal warmth and advanced heat recovery systems.
This slashes energy demands for heating and cooling by up to 90% compared to standard buildings and by more than 75% against typical new constructions.
Rigorous airtightness tests ensure thermal bridges are minimised, while superior glazing and insulation recapture up to 80% of heat.
Ventilation systems maintain a cool interior during summer without energy loss, and the project also meets the prestigious Breeam 2018 Outstanding benchmark.
Nine PBSA sites in London
Positioned at the northern edge of the Battersea Design and Tech Quarter, the four-block complex rises progressively from 11 to 19 storeys.
Its striking glazed terracotta exterior in hues of red, green and blue, pays homage to the area’s industrial past.
Since welcoming students in September 2024, the site – which spans a treated floor area of more than 17,964 square metres - offers ensuite rooms, studios, a cinema space, fitness centre and rooftop terraces boasting panoramic city views.
Since 2008, urbanest has launched nine PBSA sites in London and plans are already underway for an even grander scheme at Canary Wharf – which is poised to become the world’s largest residential Passivhaus building by 2026.
Passivhaus student living
Dragos Arnautu, the building certifier at the Passivhaus Institut, said: “urbanest Battersea exemplifies the benefits and innovation of Passivhaus design applied to student living.
“Delivering unmatched energy efficiency, Passivhaus buildings maintain consistent indoor temperatures and superior air quality, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.
“Students benefit from a thermally stable space conducive to focus and relaxation, while the integration of renewable energy sources aligns with broader climate goals.”
He adds: “This building also stands out for prioritising community and modern amenities, offering a holistic lifestyle that balances sustainability with urban convenience.”
Energy-efficient student properties
Simon Thompson, the managing director of Accommodation for Students, said: "The unveiling of urbanest Battersea as the UK's largest Passivhaus-certified building signals what could be an interesting shift for PBSA landlords.
"This eco-friendly creation blends cutting-edge sustainability with modern living and sets an impressive benchmark for the future of student housing."
He added: "For many student landlords, this should also be a call to embrace energy-efficient student properties as a savvy investment in long-term value and tenant appeal.
"With urbanest already eyeing an even more impressive Passivhaus project in Canary Wharf, it looks like green innovation will reshape the landscape of student lettings."
