Reimagining Student Living – The Purdown View Passivhaus Revolution Bristol

Discover how UWE Bristol’s Purdown View is setting a new benchmark for sustainable student accommodation. As the UK’s largest certified Passivhaus development, this £80m project delivers 900 net-zero rooms, combining cutting-edge design, wellbeing-focused spaces, and groundbreaking energy performance. Join us to explore how this game-changing model is shaping the future of university estates and scalable, fossil fuel-free living.

Why Attend:

• Learn from the leaders: Hear directly from JLL and project partners about the challenges and triumphs of delivering large-scale Passivhaus student housing.
• Explore innovation in action: Dive into the tech and design strategies behind 81% energy savings and 79% carbon reductions.
• See sustainability scaled: Understand how Purdown View is influencing PBSA strategies nationwide.
• Champion wellbeing: Discover how biophilic design and student feedback shaped a healthier, happier living environment.
• Network with changemakers: Connect with developers, estate managers, and sustainability experts driving the next generation of student accommodation.

Agenda

• Welcome & Introductions

Speaker introductions and company backgrounds

Project overview and key statistics

• Understanding Passivhaus – Etude

Passivhaus principles and standards

Market context and UK adoption trends

Regulatory landscape and future outlook

• Project Management Perspective of delivering Purdown View - JLL

Project delivery methodology for Passivhaus developments

Key challenges and solutions during construction

Stakeholder coordination and quality assurance processes

Lessons learned and best practices

• Technical Design & Certification - Etude

Design approach and performance modelling

Passivhaus certification process and requirements

Technical innovations and building fabric solutions

Performance monitoring and post-occupancy evaluation

• Client Benefits & Operational Experience - UWE

Business case for Passivhaus investment

Operational cost savings and performance benefits

User experience and wellbeing impacts

Strategic alignment with sustainability objectives

• Discussion & Q&A

Cross-sector perspectives on Passivhaus delivery?

Future opportunities and market developments?

Audience questions and discussion?

Networking & Close

Speakers:-

Stuart Brown – JLL

Stuart is an experienced Director with a strong track record of leading stakeholders through fast paced environments delivering complex construction projects and meeting business objectives. With a background in Construction Contracting and Project Management, Stuart is Director-Project Management at JLL where he manages a £MM complex project portfolio, including the award winning SAP3 - the largest student Passivhaus development in the world. Stuart is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB) and Vice Chair for the CIOB in Wales.

Gary Muson – UWE

Gary is an experienced project manager, with a background in construction with work experience in architecture, civil engineering, health and education. Having worked as an external consultant and as a client-side staff member, collectively for over 20 years, Gary’s CV is quite diverse. From delivering small-scale projects during his time at the ss Great Britain in Bristol, including the World-first historic ship rig-climb experience, to the recent delivery of Purdown View at UWE’s Frenchay Campus, which currently is the UK’s largest Passivhaus-certified student residential development. Gary has been a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB) since 2017

Will Smith – Etude

Will is a Passivhaus Certifier, Designer, Tradesperson and Mechanical Engineer focusing on building fabric, moisture and heat transfer. He was the Passivhaus certifier for Purdown View and involved from early design through to completion. Will works for Etude and has built up a wealth of technical and practical experience in construction with a focus on energy efficiency, improving existing buildings, and sustainable design. He is a technical advisor for the Passivhaus Trust and Net Zero Carbon Building Standard, and teaches on the Coaction Carbonlite Passivhaus Designer Course