Understanding Passive Houses: The Future of Energy-Efficient Living
What is a Passive House?
A Passive House (or Passivhaus, as it's known in Germany where the concept originated) is a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, which reduces its ecological footprint. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling. The primary goal is to create a home that maintains an ideal temperature year-round without relying heavily on traditional heating and cooling systems.
Key Principles of Passive House Design
Super-Insulation: One of the hallmarks of a Passive House is its superior insulation. This means the walls, roof, and floor are all constructed to minimise heat loss. High-performance insulation materials are used to ensure that the indoor temperature remains stable, regardless of the outdoor weather conditions.
Airtight Construction: Passive Houses are built to be incredibly airtight, which prevents unwanted drafts and air leaks. This airtightness significantly reduces the energy required for heating and cooling by maintaining a consistent indoor environment.
Thermal Bridge-Free Design: Thermal bridges are weak spots in the building envelope where heat can escape. Passive House design eliminates these bridges through careful planning and the use of appropriate materials, ensuring that the thermal envelope is continuous and unbroken.
High-Performance Windows: Windows in Passive Houses are designed to be highly energy-efficient, often triple-glazed with special coatings to minimize heat loss. They also take advantage of solar gain, allowing the sun to help heat the home naturally.
Ventilation with Heat Recovery: To ensure a fresh supply of air without losing heat, Passive Houses use a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. This system extracts stale air from the home and brings in fresh air, transferring the heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air in the process.
