Client: Central Bedfordshire Council
Services: Full Passivhaus Consultancy
Overview
QODA has been appointed by Central Bedfordshire Council to provide full Passivhaus consultancy for the design and construction of the Steppingley Road Senior Living Village in Flitwick. This pioneering development will be one of the largest Passivhaus-certified care facilities in the UK, setting a new benchmark for sustainable senior living.
Project vision
The scheme is designed to deliver a high-quality, low-carbon living environment for older people and adults with disabilities, while significantly reducing energy consumption and operational carbon emissions. The development combines care, independence, and community, creating a vibrant hub for residents and the wider local area.
Key features
Passivhaus Certification:
Ensuring exceptional energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
Comprehensive Care Provision:
- 72 ensuite bedrooms for older people.
- 8-bed short break facility for adults with physical and learning disabilities.
- 88 independent living apartments.
Community Hub:
Includes a restaurant, salon, and treatment rooms accessible to residents and the public.
Fabric-First Approach:
High insulation, airtightness, and advanced ventilation for health and comfort.
QODA’s role
QODA’s role included leading the Passivhaus strategy and ensuring compliance through PHPP modelling and detailed thermal bridge analysis. We worked closely with Ingleton Wood, Oliver & Robb, and JB Hopkins to embed performance-led principles into the design, ensuring that sustainability and energy efficiency were central to every decision.
Our involvement continued through RIBA Stages 3 to 5, providing ongoing consultancy to maintain quality, compliance, and alignment with the project’s low-carbon goals.
Impact
The Steppingley Road Care Facility will provide much-needed senior living and community facilities while achieving world-class energy performance. This project demonstrates how healthcare environments can combine sustainability, comfort, and social value at scale.
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