A prototype for future-proof British living

The Resilient House is a 300 m² two-storey private residence that establishes a new benchmark for climate-ready, regenerative residential architecture in Britain. Designed for a couple seeking uncompromised contemporary comfort combined with genuine long-term resilience, it is the first built expression of Ellis-Miller + Partners’ Resilient House research programme.

Architecture & environmental strategy Two masonry pavilions clad in long-life sinusoidal profiled steel are linked by a fully glazed central block, forming an enclosed south-facing courtyard that drives natural ventilation and creates a calm, light-filled social heart. The courtyard functions as a solar chimney, drawing air through the house via hand-operated high-level vents – delivering fresh air and comfort cooling without mechanical assistance for most of the year.

Performance & regeneration

• Annual net-positive energy (18 kWp PV + 40 kWh battery storage)

• Ground-source heat pump (8 boreholes) with targeted comfort cooling to master suite and cinema room

• Fully off-mains water: borehole for potable supply and GSHP, 30,000-litre rainwater harvesting, reed-bed grey/black-water treatment, zero discharge

• Lifetime carbon positive and >200 % biodiversity net gain (Defra Metric 4.0) across re-wilded meadow and native woodland

Built for longevity and democratic control

• Extreme thermal mass (low-carbon concrete with 50 % GGBS) and 0.4 ACH airtightness maintain 20–25 °C passively

• Storm-resistant external galvanised sliding screens and robust manual controls replace fragile smart systems

• Materials selected for durability and repairability using locally available components: reclaimed brick, bronze ironmongery, sinusoidal steel cladding

• Lift installed to allow future use by disabled user

The result is a serene, generously proportioned home arranged for effortless one- or two-person living today, yet inherently adaptable for multi-generational use tomorrow.

Key Facts

• Area: 300 m² across two floors + courtyard

• Energy: EPC A+++ | annual net-positive

• Water: fully off-grid, zero discharge

• Ventilation & cooling: passive courtyard stack + targeted GSHP

• Biodiversity net gain: >200 %

• Completion: 2026

The Resilient House demonstrates that the highest standards of contemporary design, comfort and craftsmanship can coexist with true climatic resilience and active environmental regeneration – without dependence on complex or proprietary technology.