Caddick Construction has completed two major Passivhaus housing developments in York, delivering more than 100 net zero carbon homes as local authorities and contractors increase investment in low-energy residential construction.

The schemes, Burnholme Green and Duncombe Square, were delivered as part of the City of York’s Housing Delivery Programme and add 112 Passivhaus-certified homes to the city’s affordable and sustainable housing stock.

Burnholme Green, located on Mossdale Avenue, includes 78 homes comprising 55 houses, nine bungalows and 14 apartments.

A further 34 Passivhaus homes have been completed at Duncombe Square on Burton Stone Lane, including two, three and four-bedroom houses alongside 11 one-bedroom apartments.

Both developments were built using timber frame construction and incorporate rooftop solar panels, air-source heat pumps and enhanced insulation designed to reduce operational carbon emissions and energy use.

The projects also included associated infrastructure works, landscaped public spaces and road and sewer installations delivered by Caddick Civil Engineering.

Additional features include self-build plots at Burnholme Green and a commercial unit at Duncombe Square.

Net zero construction standards recognised by industry bodies

The Burnholme Green development was recognised by the Chartered Institute of Building following a site visit focused on best practice in net zero housing delivery.

Both sites also achieved four consecutive 45/45 scores under the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) and later received bronze awards at the 2025 CCS National Site Awards.

The projects highlight the growing role of Passivhaus standards in UK residential construction as councils seek to improve housing energy performance and reduce long-term emissions.

Construction teams supported local schools and community projects

During construction, Caddick worked with schools and colleges through mentoring programmes, mock interviews, work placements and site visits.

The Duncombe Square team also contributed 54 volunteer hours to support the Groves Secret Garden Community Project, carrying out maintenance and planting work within the community garden.

Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director for Yorkshire and North East at Caddick Construction, said the projects demonstrated increasing demand for high-performance residential construction.

He said: “The completion of both Burnholme Green and Duncombe Square represents a significant milestone for our team and for sustainable housing in the region.

“Delivering over 100 net zero carbon homes built to the Passivhaus standard highlights our ability to lead on complex, high performance residential projects.

“Achieving four consecutive perfect CCS scores on both sites also demonstrates our team’s unwavering dedication to quality, safety and community engagement.”