Passivhaus and Active House Design

Passivhaus is a rigorous and voluntary standard for energy efficiency in building design. The primary goal of a Passivhaus is to create an extremely comfortable interior while minimising energy consumption for heating and cooling.

Key features of Passivhaus design include:

• Superior Insulation:  Passivhaus buildings are heavily insulated to reduce heat loss, ensuring that the indoor temperature remains stable.

• Airtight Construction:  The building envelope is designed to be airtight, preventing drafts and minimizing heat loss.

• High-Quality Windows and Doors:  Passivhaus buildings use high-performance windows and doors to further enhance insulation and reduce heat exchange.  Effective detailing to reduce thermal bridging is essential to get the most from Passivhaus components.

• Ventilation with Heat Recovery:  Mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery are employed to ensure a constant supply of fresh air while recovering the heat from outgoing air.

• Solar Gain:  Passive solar design principles are often integrated to maximize the use of sunlight for heating during colder months.

• Thermal Bridge-Free Construction:  Attention is given to minimizing thermal bridges, which are areas where heat can easily escape, ensuring the overall efficiency of the building envelope.

• Energy-Efficient Appliances:  The use of energy-efficient appliances and lighting further contributes to reducing overall energy consumption.

Meeting the Passivhaus standard requires thorough planning, precise construction, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that the building performs as intended. While the upfront costs of constructing a Passivhaus may be higher, the long-term energy savings and increased comfort for occupants are often considered worthwhile.