UK’s first Passivhaus hotel project underway

by: Felicity Cousins | August 19, 2024

UK: The UK’s first Passivhaus project is underway with the demolition of a renowned hotel in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire.

Cliffemount Hotel was once a popular tourist destination but it closed in 2022 and was bought by the Fojt family, who have strong links to Runswick Bay.

Last year the family announced they intended to demolish the old hotel and rebuild Cliffemount as a new 20 sea-view room hotel, pub and restaurant.

Focusing on sustainability, the project will follow strict design and building regulations set by The Passivhaus Trust.

If successful, the new Cliffemount will be the first hotel in the UK to achieve Passivhaus accreditation.

Melissa Tomlinson, managing director commented: “It’s a huge milestone for us to be able to announce that demolition is commencing. It’s taken a lot of time and effort from all involved parties to make it happen because it’s such a huge process.”

Following Passivhaus principles, the building has been designed to deliver high thermal performance, meaning the property will require a much lower amount of energy to heat and maintain temperature, than a standard construction. We spoke to Bryan OknyanskyStudio Moren’s head of sustainability in a Q&A where he explains Passivhaus, read more here.

The demolition is expected to be completed by mid-October, but no date has yet been announced for work to begin on the construction of the new Cliffemount.

Construction of UK’s first Passivhaus hotel on the cards

Image: Howard Fojt