Manuals — Practical, Real-world advice on Passivhaus & Housebuilding

We’ve been building new homes for decades. Our Coldwells Build Manuals deliver advice based on our experience of the process. Packed full of honest, straight-talking tips, they contain the information you need to make the right decisions.

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Passivhaus: Financing Guide

Explore a range of funding options to support your Passivhaus build, including green mortgages, government loans and more.

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Passivhaus: Health Benefits

Discover how the Passivhaus standard can improve your mental and physical health, boost productivity, and improve your sleep quality.

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Custom Homes: 7 Expert Insights

7 things to know before designing a bespoke home — including working out a construction budget, hidden costs to consider and the truth about square metre rates.

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Coldwells Build: Full Turnkey

A step-by-step guide to our Coldwells Build service covering – budgeting, planning permission, product selections, on site construction and more.

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You Build: Supply and Assemble

A step-by-step guide to our You Build service covering – budgeting, planning permission, hiring a main contractor, on site construction and more.

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Building Plots: Trusted Advice

A self-builder's guide to finding the perfect plot, evaluating its suitability and understanding the legal considerations involved.

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Passivhaus: Explained

An introduction to the Passivhaus standard — what it is, how it works and the steps you can take to achieve it in your new home.

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Planning Permission: A Guide

Essential information about the approvals you’ll need to build your home, including planning permission and building warrant.

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Practical, trusted advice on house building. We’re award-winning experts who are happy to share our knowledge. 

Does Passivhaus Cost More?

Our director, Clare Booth, addresses the initial cost differences and explores the long-term savings and benefits of the Passivhaus standard.

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Passivhaus Experts

Our team is fully trained in Passivhaus construction. As a compact family-run business, we are committed to building homes to world-leading standards. In this short video, founders Clare and Ross Booth explain the importance of keeping the process in-house.

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What is Passivhaus?

A quick walk-through from Coldwells Build founder, Ross Booth. Here, he explains how we use the Passivhaus standard to build and deliver the world's most energy-efficient, healthy homes.

Show Me How It Works

You Build: Supply & Assemble

A quick walk-through from Coldwells Build founder, Clare Booth. Here, she explains how we help deliver the world’s most energy-efficient, healthy homes, before handing over to your trusted team of tradespeople.

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Scotland's Passivhaus Equivalent

The Scottish Government has stated its ambition that all new homes in Scotland should be built to a “Scottish equivalent” of the Passivhaus standard in the coming years.

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The Founders

Founders Clare and Ross Booth share how their people-centred approach and compact Aberdeenshire team are united in their mission to build outstanding homes with a positive environmental legacy.

Meet The Team

Passivhaus Is Future-Proof

Founder Clare Booth gives insight about why building a Passivhaus now is a smart move. With upcoming net-zero legislation changes ahead of us, investing now will save you money and ensure you stay one step ahead.

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Coldwells Build: Full Turnkey

Founder Clare Booth provides an overview of the Coldwells Build full turnkey service in this quick and informative video.

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Coldwells Build Manuals: Get Ready To Build

We’ve created 8 free-to-download guides packed with tips on budgeting, plot finding and self-building. Essential reading for anyone planning to build their home. 

Building Plots: Trusted Advice

A self-builder's guide to finding the perfect plot, evaluating its suitability and understanding the legal considerations involved.

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