Business Details
32 Years
experience
Award-Winning Sustainable Architects in London
Bere Architects is an award-winning architectural practice with over 30 years of experience delivering sustainable, high-performance buildings that combine ecological responsibility with exceptional design. Founded in 1994, we pioneered Passive House methodologies in the UK and remain global leaders in plus-energy architecture. Our team of dedicated architects combines scientific rigour with creative design to create buildings that produce more energy than they consume while maintaining unparalleled comfort and aesthetic quality. We specialise in Passive House Plus, deep retrofit projects, and modular construction, serving both public and private sectors.Our work has been extensively monitored and validated by academic institutions, demonstrating real-world performance that exceeds theoretical models. With a focus on craftsmanship and innovation, we have completed groundbreaking projects including the UK's first certified Passive House and the world's first 'zero-carbon' Passive House social housing. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond individual buildings to developing scalable strategies for renewable energy integration across urban environments.
Services
Passive House Design
Energy Retrofitting
Sustainable Architecture
Modular Construction
Building Performance Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- Pioneers of Passive House design in the UK since 2005
- 30+ years of experience in energy-positive architecture
- Award-winning integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology
- Proven performance through government-funded research and monitoring
- Specialists in retrofitting historic buildings to modern sustainability standards
Associations and certifications
- Passive House Institute
- ISO 9001
- RIBA Chartered Practice
What people say
Transformed our community space
Zero energy bills achieved
Exceptional attention to detail
Pioneering sustainable solutions
Exceeded performance expectations
Services
Passive House Design
Specialist design for buildings meeting rigorous Passive House standards, combining ultra-low energy consumption with superior comfort. Our expertise includes thermal bridge-free construction, triple-glazed windows, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. We deliver homes and commercial spaces that require minimal heating while maintaining optimal indoor air quality.
Energy Retrofitting
Deep retrofit solutions transforming existing structures into high-performance buildings. We implement insulation upgrades, airtightness improvements, and renewable energy integration while preserving architectural integrity. Our work on listed buildings demonstrates how historic structures can achieve modern sustainability standards without compromising their character.
Modular Construction
Innovative modular building systems combining factory precision with ecological materials. We design off-site timber-framed components that reduce construction time and waste while maintaining Passive House performance standards. Our approach balances cost-effectiveness with environmental responsibility across residential and commercial projects.
Building Performance Analysis
Comprehensive monitoring and analysis of building performance using advanced thermal imaging and data logging. We conduct post-occupancy evaluations to validate energy models against real-world usage, ensuring our designs deliver promised efficiency gains while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement in sustainable construction practices.
Sustainable Masterplanning
Strategic planning for large-scale sustainable developments integrating renewable energy networks and ecological infrastructure. Our expertise includes designing communities that operate as interconnected energy systems, optimising solar orientation, and creating urban environments that support biodiversity while minimising carbon footprints.
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'. His work combines Alvar Aalto's design philosophy with scientific rigour, delivering award-winning energy-positive buildings.
Clare Zografou
Architect
Clare Zografou leads post-occupancy evaluations and Soft Landings processes at Bere Architects. With expertise in building physics and user engagement, she ensures projects deliver promised performance through rigorous monitoring and occupant training, contributing to the practice's reputation for real-world sustainability outcomes.
Questions
What is Passive House architecture?
Passive House is a rigorous building standard focusing on ultra-low energy consumption through superior insulation, airtight construction, and heat recovery ventilation, creating comfortable spaces with minimal environmental impact.
Can old buildings be made energy efficient?
Yes, our retrofit projects demonstrate how historic buildings can achieve modern energy standards through careful insulation upgrades, window replacements, and renewable energy integration without compromising architectural heritage.
Do sustainable buildings cost more?
While initial costs may be slightly higher, our buildings deliver significant long-term savings through near-zero energy bills and reduced maintenance requirements, offering superior value over their lifecycle.
How do you ensure building performance?
We use comprehensive monitoring systems and post-occupancy evaluations to validate performance against design targets, working closely with academic partners to continuously improve our construction methodologies and energy models.
What areas do you cover?
Based in London, we work across the UK and internationally on projects ranging from urban infill developments to rural eco-homes, adapting our sustainable design principles to diverse climatic and cultural contexts.
Can buildings generate more energy than they use?
Yes, our Lark Rise project demonstrates how solar panels combined with Passive House efficiency can create 'plus-energy' homes that export more electricity to the grid than they consume annually.
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