Guy Martin leads historic Passivhaus church retrofit

A church converted to Passivhaus standards with solar panels on the roof

The world's first Passivhaus church-to-home conversion features on the debut episode of Guy Martin's "House Without Bills" (Image credit: Passivhaus Trust)

Guy Martin’s new TV show ‘House Without Bills’ takes viewers inside two ambitious projects transformed to Passivhaus standards.

The programme features the world’s first Passivhaus church-to-home conversion and a nine-month retrofit of a semi-detached house in Stretford, Manchester, in two incredibly challenging, but exciting, projects.

Through practical examples of insulation, airtightness, and energy-efficient heating systems, the show, which airs tonight, provides useful guidance for anyone planning a renovation or exploring Passivhaus upgrades.

Warksburn old church conversion

Guy Martin on a beam in a church conversion — *The show offers many practical tips for homeowners looking to retrofit their home to Passivhaus standards* (Image credit: Channel 4)

A standout part of the programme is the world’s first Passivhaus church-to-home conversion, transforming a historic church into a fully energy-efficient home that now operates as holiday accommodation.

The project, delivered by Ecospheric and ZE Passivhaus, carefully balances heritage features with modern energy-saving measures.

The programme highlights technical solutions such as insulation adapted for historic buildings, energy-efficient glazing, and low-carbon heating systems, offering inspiration for anyone looking at unusual or challenging renovation projects.

Stretford semi-detached retrofit

Guy Martin standing in front of a newly retrofitted Passivhaus home — *Guy Martin takes viewers on a 9 month journey to retrofit a suburban house* (Image credit: Channel 4)

In addition to the old church conversion Guy Martin also helps with the Stretford project, demonstrating how a typical suburban home can be upgraded to full Passivhaus standards.

Over nine months, the team worked on high-performance insulation, airtight construction, upgraded windows, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, all aimed at reducing energy bills and creating a comfortable home environment.

Guy Martin is hands-on throughout, showing the practical steps and decisions involved in achieving these standards, making it a useful reference for anyone considering a staged or full retrofit.

Broader lessons in energy-efficient renovation

Guy Martin visits the Energy 2.0 project in the snow — *Guy Martin visited the Energy 2.0 project in the snow as this tests the houses ability keep insulated during cold weather* (Image credit: Channel 4)

Guy Martin also explores other innovative homes and research facilities, including Salford University’s Energy House 2.0 and a flat-pack low-carbon home on Merseyside.

These segments showcase practical approaches to energy efficiency and highlight how Passivhaus principles can be applied to a variety of building types, from traditional terraces to modern constructions.

For viewers interested in renovation, the programme demonstrates achievable strategies to reduce energy use, cut bills, and make homes more sustainable.

Catch Guy Martin’s ‘House Without Bills’ on Channel 4 tonight at 9pm, or if you miss it you can catch up on Channel4.com.

News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.