Business Details
32 Years
experience
Award-Winning Sustainable Architects in London
Bere Architects is an award-winning architectural practice with over 27 years of expertise in sustainable, high-performance building design. Founded in 1994, we pioneered Passive House methodologies in the UK and have evolved into global leaders in plus-energy buildings that generate more energy than they consume. Our work combines rigorous scientific principles with creative architectural design, delivering projects that align with ecological imperatives while meeting clients' needs. We maintain meticulous quality control across all stages of design and construction, supported by post-occupancy evaluations and partnerships with academic institutions.Our team's deep understanding of fabric-first approaches, modular construction, and renewable energy integration ensures buildings that are comfortable, healthy, and environmentally responsible. Recognised for our integrity and innovation, we collaborate with forward-thinking clients to set new benchmarks in sustainable architecture.
Services
Sustainable architecture
Passive House design
Energy-efficient retrofitting
Modular construction
Ecological masterplanning
Building performance analysis
Post-occupancy evaluation
Research partnerships
Heritage conservation
Net-zero consultancy
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have over 27 years of experience pioneering Passive House design in the UK
- Our buildings generate more energy than they consume through renewable systems
- We combine scientific rigour with creative architectural excellence
- Our post-occupancy evaluations ensure long-term performance guarantees
- We maintain full control over design and construction quality processes
What people say
Transformed our space
Excellent energy efficiency
Exceptional comfort levels
Groundbreaking ecological approach
Superb technical expertise
Services
Passive House Design
Our Passive House designs utilise scientific principles to create buildings that require minimal energy for heating and cooling. Through triple-glazed windows, super-insulation, and heat recovery ventilation systems, we deliver comfortable, healthy environments with near-zero energy bills. These structures maintain consistent temperatures while providing superior air quality through continuous filtered ventilation. Our expertise ensures compliance with international Passive House standards while achieving aesthetic excellence in both urban and rural contexts.
Sustainable Retrofitting
We transform existing structures through deep-energy retrofits that improve thermal performance by 85% or more. Our methods include external insulation systems, high-performance window installations, and mechanical ventilation upgrades. This approach preserves building heritage while modernising energy systems to meet contemporary environmental standards. Case studies demonstrate dramatic reductions in heating costs and significant improvements in occupant comfort levels across residential and commercial properties.
Plus-Energy Buildings
Our plus-energy buildings generate more electricity than they consume through integrated renewable systems. Solar panel arrays combined with battery storage create net-positive energy balances while maintaining exceptional comfort standards. These structures interact intelligently with grid systems, exporting surplus power during peak production periods. Monitoring data confirms annual energy generation exceeding consumption by 50-100%, making them active contributors to sustainable energy networks.
Modular Construction
We employ precision-engineered timber frame systems for efficient off-site construction. This approach reduces build time by 40% while maintaining exacting quality standards in controlled factory environments. Our modular methodology ensures consistent performance across multiple units while allowing bespoke design adaptations. The system works particularly well for social housing projects requiring both cost-effectiveness and high environmental performance.
Building Performance Evaluation
We conduct comprehensive post-occupancy assessments using thermal imaging, air permeability testing, and long-term energy monitoring. This data-driven approach verifies design assumptions and identifies optimisation opportunities. Our evaluations have contributed to academic research and industry benchmarking, demonstrating real-world performance of low-energy buildings in UK climate conditions over extended periods.
People
Justin Bere
Director, Architect
Justin Bere founded Bere Architects in 1994 and has pioneered sustainable architecture in the UK. With over 25 years' experience, he co-founded the UK Passivhaus Trust and authored 'An Introduction to Passive House'. He combines creative design with scientific rigour to deliver award-winning ecological buildings that set industry benchmarks for energy performance and occupant comfort.
Questions
What is Bere:architects' specialisation?
We specialise in award-winning sustainable architecture, focusing on Passive House Plus designs, energy-efficient retrofits, and net-zero buildings that generate surplus energy.
How do your buildings achieve energy efficiency?
Through fabric-first principles, triple-glazed windows, super-insulation, airtight construction, and renewable energy systems like solar panels integrated into modern designs.
Can you work on heritage buildings?
Yes, we combine traditional techniques with modern sustainability standards to retrofit historic structures while preserving architectural integrity and improving energy performance.
What geographic areas do you cover?
While based in London, we undertake projects across the UK including Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Wales for both private and public sector clients.
How do you ensure building performance?
We use rigorous post-occupancy evaluations, thermal imaging, air-leakage testing, and long-term monitoring partnerships with academic institutions to verify performance claims.
What awards have you won?
We've received multiple accolades including CIBSE Awards, RIBA recognitions, Passivhaus Institute honours, and Constructing Excellence awards for sustainable innovation.
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