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.”
