Higgins accelerates low-carbon housing delivery with over 470 Passivhaus-Certified affordable homes under construction across London

Posted 18/11/2025

With continuing rises in energy costs, tightening environmental regulations and the urgent need for resilient low-carbon buildings, Higgins is reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainable development with the delivery of over 470 homes across four key sites in London, built to Passivhaus certification or Passivhaus standard. 

Passivhaus construction offers a proven route to delivering high-performance, affordable homes at scale, with a home typically using up to 90% less heating energy than standard UK new builds. 

Higgins is currently working on developments in Hammersmith and Fulham, Lewisham and Newham, marking a significant step in the company’s journey to create healthier, low energy, communities for local residents.  

Hartopp and Lannoy, Hammersmith and Fulham

This estate regeneration project replaces two structurally compromised tower blocks on the Aintree Estate with 134 low-rise high-performance homes. Delivered in partnership with Hammersmith and Fulham Council, 80% of the homes will be genuinely affordable, with priority being given to local people. Designed to Passivhaus Classic standard, all homes will deliver exceptional energy efficiency, lower running costs and a healthier environment. The development also includes high-quality landscaping, improved public realm and enhanced safety to foster a strong, inclusive community for generations to come.   

Deptford Landings, Lewisham

A key piece in a wider regeneration masterplan, the fully affordable development comprises 189 homes of Social Rent and Shared Ownership tenure. Delivered in partnership with Peabody Housing, this Passivhaus development focuses on the needs of local people and those on the council’s waiting list, helping to address the urgent need for genuinely affordable housing.

Greenhill Centre, Newham

This development has transformed a former gym into 81 affordable, low-energy homes, available at London Affordable Rent, with partial funding from the Greater London Authority. Designed to Passivhaus Classic standards, the scheme has been delivered in partnership with the London Borough of Newham as part of their ambition to deliver homes that local people can afford.

John Street, Newham

Once home to Newham Boys Boxing Club, John Street is providing 70 affordable homes many of which feature corner balconies and generous roof terraces that maximise daylight and sunlight. Each home will have increased thermal comfort and improved indoor air quality, resulting in lower energy bills for residents. A spacious linear garden will serve as a central community space, alongside an expanded pocket park with newly planted trees. The development will also encourage sustainable transport with 129 cycle spaces available for residents.

Declan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer at Higgins Group comments, “Sustainability is no longer an option, it's a responsibility. Passivhaus sets a globally recognised benchmark for energy efficiency, and we’re proud to be delivering over 470 homes to this standard across London. These developments, delivered in close partnership with progressive local authorities and housing providers, demonstrate it's possible to achieve exceptional environmental performance while keeping homes affordable, comfortable and rooted in the needs of local communities.”

Each development adopts a fabric-first approach, ensuring minimal heat loss through high-performance insulation, triple glazing, airtightness, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). These measures drastically reduce energy consumption and deliver stable indoor comfort, addressing both decarbonisation targets and resident affordability.

Higgins' approach to sustainability extends beyond technical performance. Every Passivhaus development is integrated with a tailored social value strategy, supporting:

·       Local employment and apprenticeships

·       Early engagement with schools and community groups

·       Opportunities for SMEs in the construction supply chain

·       Community-focused design through resident workshops and stakeholder co-creation

This holistic approach ensures that Higgins’ Passivhaus developments not only deliver exceptional environmental performance but also contribute to the creation of resilient, inclusive communities that leave a lasting social legacy.