Devon is home to some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes, from the rugged heights of Dartmoor and Exmoor to the gentle rolling hills Mid-Devon. For those looking to build a new home in this beautiful county, the question is often how to balance ambitious architectural design with the need for exemplary energy efficiency and climate resilience.

Is Passivhaus Worth It? (Especially Right Now)

We get it. Between the rising cost of materials and the general cost-of-living squeeze, the word “premium” can feel a little daunting. When you’re planning a build, every penny counts. So, when we at Folia Architects talk about Passivhaus - the gold standard of energy efficiency - the first question is usually: “Is it really worth the extra investment?”

The short answer? Yes. But not just because it’s "green." It’s because it’s a financial and personal insurance policy for your future.

There is something uniquely satisfying about breathing life back into a redundant barn. It is one of the few ways to truly preserve the Devon’s rural character while creating a home that is entirely bespoke. That said, the leap from a draughty agricultural shell to a high-performance dwelling isn't accidental. It requires a sharp eye for design and a very specific planning strategy.

At Folia, we’ve made this transition our specialty. Based in Mid-Devon, we bridge the gap between a deep-rooted understanding of the local landscape and the technical rigour of low-energy, Passivhaus design.

It is a well-known fact that most UK houses are draughty and expensive to heat. If you are planning a renovation, a standard "makeover" usually misses the chance to fix the root of the problem. That is where EnerPHit comes in.

At Folia Architects, we believe the climate emergency demands a more responsible way of building. That’s why we specialise in fabric-first design - a methodology that ensures sustainability is baked into the very bones of a structure, rather than added as an afterthought.

As Certified Passivhaus Designers (CEPH), our work is rooted in building physics. By prioritising the building envelope, we create homes that achieve radical energy reductions while providing the highest levels of health and comfort.

Whether you are embarking on an ambitious new build, planning an extension, or simply looking to make your current home function better for your lifestyle, the most pressing question is almost always: how much is my eco-house / Passivhaus build going to cost in Devon?

At Folia Architects, we prioritise open and realistic conversations from the very beginning so you can plan with complete confidence. We are often asked ‘how much does an eco-house cost to build in Devon?’ or ‘how much does a Passivhaus cost to build near Exeter?’

In a world increasingly dominated by buildings, we often find ourselves yearning for a deeper connection to the natural world. At Folia, we believe that architecture should do more than provide shelter; it should actively nurture the human spirit and celebrate our inherent biological connection to nature.

Since moving to Mid-Devon, we’ve been asked a few times, why did you leave your comfortable self-built home and the successful business you co-founded? It’s a good question…

After a decade of leading award-winning sustainable projects across the UK, architects Matt and Rachel have announced the launch of their new practice, Folia Architects. Based in a woodland studio near Exeter, the practice brings a "Considered Architecture" philosophy to the heart of the West Country, specialising in low-energy homes that celebrate the unique Devon landscape.