New Builds in Cobham Require Better Ventilation – Here’s Why MVHR Is Leading the Way

High-Spec Homes in Cobham Now Demand Smarter Ventilation

Cobham, one of Surrey’s most desirable towns, is known for its high-value homes, modern developments, and discerning homeowners. As local architects and developers push the boundaries of property design, there’s increasing demand for homes that are not only beautiful, but also energy-conscious and regulation-compliant.

Yet with triple glazing, insulated blockwork, and airtight building envelopes becoming the standard in Cobham’s luxury homes, natural airflow is often overlooked. That’s where Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) becomes essential.

In 2025, installing MVHR is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a key component of building compliance, energy efficiency, and indoor wellbeing. This blog explores why MVHR is becoming a must-have in Cobham’s new builds, how it supports UK building regulations, and what’s involved in the installation process.

The Changing Face of Residential Construction in Cobham

Homes in Cobham are now being built or refurbished to exceptionally high thermal standards. This includes:

• U-values that exceed Building Regulation minimums
• Continuous airtight layers
• Air permeability targets below 5 m³/h.m² @ 50Pa
• Glazing upgrades and near-Passivhaus design standards

While these measures improve energy retention, they severely limit natural air changes—meaning stale, moisture-laden air has nowhere to go. Relying on trickle vents and extractor fans is no longer enough. MVHR solves this issue by delivering a continuous supply of filtered, pre-warmed air—without heat loss or cold draughts.

What MVHR Brings to High-End Properties

An MVHR system extracts moist, stale air from wet rooms like kitchens and bathrooms and replaces it with fresh, filtered air supplied to living rooms and bedrooms. Before the extracted air leaves the property, its heat is transferred to the incoming air via a heat exchanger.

The benefits include:

• No condensation or mould
• Balanced humidity throughout the year
• Significantly improved indoor air quality
• Up to 90% heat recovery
• Lower heating bills
• Reduced noise and pollution due to closed windows
• Fully compliant with Building Regulations

For large homes with open-plan living and multiple bathrooms, MVHR is particularly effective at maintaining stable comfort and cleanliness throughout the property.

Case Study: MVHR Installed in a Six-Bedroom Home in Cobham

ClimateWorks was recently contracted to install MVHR in a new luxury property near Fairmile Common. The home featured underfloor heating, smart lighting, and solar PV—but lacked a coherent ventilation plan during the design stage.

Client goals:

• Prevent condensation around aluminium window frames
• Reduce overheating risk in the open-plan kitchen/diner
• Keep indoor air clean and odour-free without relying on window ventilation
• Avoid the use of wall or ceiling fans in high-end interior spaces

ClimateWorks solution:

• Installed a twin-unit MVHR system to handle multiple floor levels
• Used rigid ductwork in ceiling voids to reduce resistance and noise
• Specified a summer bypass function for overheating mitigation
• Integrated air distribution grilles discreetly into interior design
• Commissioned and balanced the system in line with Part F

The client now enjoys clean, fresh air throughout the home—with zero compromise on design or thermal performance.

Why MVHR Meets Cobham’s Regulatory and Lifestyle Needs

Approved Document F – Ventilation

• All new builds must provide adequate ventilation
• MVHR satisfies System 4: Continuous mechanical supply and extract with heat recovery
• Commissioning and balancing are mandatory

Approved Document L – Conservation of Fuel and Power

• MVHR helps meet required energy performance ratings
• Specific Fan Power (SFP) and heat exchanger efficiency must be declared

Approved Document O – Overheating in New Homes

• Summer bypass functionality in MVHR systems helps manage overheating risks
• Required in many modern, airtight new builds

Other relevant regulations:

• Part C: Moisture management and condensation control
• Part E: Soundproofing—MVHR reduces external noise by allowing windows to remain closed

What to Expect from Installation

Installing MVHR in a new build is most effective when planned during the early design stages. At ClimateWorks, we coordinate with architects, M&E consultants, and main contractors to ensure a seamless process.

Our process:

1. System design based on floor plans and SAP targets
2. Duct layout configured around joists, steels, and ceiling voids
3. Unit selection based on airflow needs and heat recovery capacity
4. Installation during first-fix and second-fix phases
5. Commissioning using calibrated airflow measurement tools
6. Documentation including handover pack and user guide

We also support projects undergoing SAP calculations or Part F compliance testing.

Who Is Choosing MVHR in Cobham?

We’re seeing strong interest from:

• Architects designing multi-million-pound homes
• Property developers delivering luxury housing schemes
• Homeowners completing whole-house retrofits
• Interior designers seeking hidden ventilation solutions
• Self-builders working towards Passive House or AECB standards

For these clients, MVHR is not just about regulation—it’s about health, sustainability, and future-proofing the home.

Bullet Point Summary – Why MVHR Works for Cobham

• Ideal for airtight, energy-efficient new builds
• Prevents condensation, damp, and stale air
• Reduces reliance on mechanical fans and window ventilation
• Fully compliant with UK Building Regulations
• Reduces energy demand and running costs
• Silent operation with advanced filtration
• Supports Passive House and SAP ratings
• Adds long-term value to high-spec properties
• ClimateWorks designs, installs, and commissions systems tailored to your project

Book Your MVHR Installation in Cobham

If you're planning a new build or major renovation in Cobham, ClimateWorks can provide the design, supply, and installation of MVHR systems that meet current and future standards. Our team works with builders, homeowners, and consultants to ensure systems are installed correctly and perform as intended.

👉 Enquire now for a consultation or site visit:
https://www.climateworks.co.uk

References

[1] GOV.UK. (2021). Approved Document F – Ventilation. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ventilation-approved-document-f
[2] Future Homes Standard – Consultation Outcome. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-future-homes-standard
[3] Energy Saving Trust. (2023). Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR). Retrieved from https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/mechanical-ventilation-heat-recovery
[4] CIBSE Guide B – Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

Author Bio

Dr. Julian Carter is a highly experienced thermal systems expert with over 15 years in the field, holding a PhD in thermal systems. His career spans academic research, consulting, and teaching, focusing on air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Dr. Carter bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, providing expert insights to organisations like ClimateWorks, where his guidance informs decision-making and industry best practices. Notably, he has worked on international projects with organisations such as Daikin Industries, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Currently a lecturer at Edinburgh University, Dr. Carter combines his expertise with a passion for educating the next generation of engineers and advancing climate control technologies.

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