Passivhaus Consultants
Elemental Solutions have a fresh approach to sustainable building design. We are committed to evidence based methods with measurable results. Because of this we advocate Passivhaus design. We know it works and will deliver buildings with excellent comfort and genuinely low energy use. We also work with the AECB Silver Energy Standard which uses the same approach but a less demanding design target.
Hands on Approach
As practical engineers and self builders we like to get our hands dirty. Elemental Solutions provide strategic and pre-planning advice through detail design, site supervision, toolbox talks, commissioning and troubleshooting. See what we do and project examples via the menu above.
Eco-Minimalism not Eco-Bling
Over the years we have lived and worked with most green building clichés from autonomous homes to grass roofs, rainwater harvesting , reed beds and straw bale construction. We prefer technology and material choices to emerge from the design process rather than starting with a shopping list of green icons. Our approach is radical efficiency and simplification rather than bolt ons or eco-bling.
Ecological Wastewater Treatment
Elemental Solutions are known for their work on ecological wastewater treatment. This includes composting toilets, reed beds, living soakaways and the Trench Arch system, popular with rural churches. We co-authored Choosing Ecological Wastewater Treatment and the BRE Guides to reed beds and natural wastewater treatment. We seek the simplest, most appropriate technology in preference to green clichés.
Water Efficiency Advice and Water Saving Technology
See the publications section for a range of free water efficiency guidance including the AECB Water Standards and the Environment Agency water saving products guide. Also see our eco product development page for the Airlush waterless urinal, ES4, 4 litre leak-free WC and Compost toilets developed by Elemental Solutions.
Eco Design and Product Development
Over the years our research has spawned a number of commercial designs to solve specific water and energy related problems. The product design page includes water saving technologies, energy efficient lighting and compost toilets. All of which are commercially available. However as consultants we are professionally bound to provide impartial advice.