UK: Construction has begun today in North Yorkshire on what could become the UK’s first Passivhaus hotel.
The multi-million-pound development, Cliffemount, which includes a hotel, pub and restaurant, is being built on the cliff tops of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire.
The hotel will replace the once popular Cliffemount Hotel, which was demolished in October 2024 as part of the first phase of development.
Cliffemount, which will have 20 sea-facing rooms, aims to set a new standard in sustainable hospitality by becoming the UK’s first hotel to receive Passivhaus accreditation.
For this to happen, strict building and design standards must be adhered to throughout, making this a more complex project than a standard design and build.
Passivhaus buildings are built so that the insulation and ventilation is so well balanced very little energy is needed for heating and cooling. The buildings are often constructed so the building retains heat from the sun, using as little energy as possible for heating and cooling.
Passivhaus design also aims to create spaces which focus on the wellbeing and health of the inhabitants.
All Passivhaus designs must prove they have done the correct energy modelling with the Passivhaus Planning Package, which is a design tool produced by the Passivhaus Institute for use by architects, engineers, and building designers.
A certificate can only issued by a Passivhaus Certifier which has been internationally accredited by the Passive House Institute to certify Passivhaus buildings anywhere in the world.
Passivhaus can be classified as Classic, Plus or Premium depending on their renewable primary energy demand and renewable energy generation. If successful, Cliffemount will also be the only hotel in the UK to have individual accreditations for its pub and restaurant.
Melissa Tomlinson, managing director at Cliffemount said: “In 2022, our family purchased the former Cliffemount Hotel with a very clear vision of building a sustainable hotel that would have a positive impact industry wide. A lot of work has gone into making it achievable, but with the building work now beginning, that vision is finally starting to become a reality.”
The project is being managed by chartered building surveyors and project managers Silverstone Building Consultancy, with construction being led by Stainforth Construction.
The Cliffemount is cited to open in summer 2027, with contractors expected to be on site for approximately two years.
Image: CGI image of Cliffemount, supplied