PASSIVHAUS
The terms 'passivhaus' and 'passive house' refer to a voluntary low-energy construction standard developed in Germany approximately 25 years ago, with the first monitored pilot scheme being constructed in Darmstadt, Germany, in 1990.
The Passivhaus construction concept is a low-energy standard which is based on a set of identifiable criteria that a building can be measured against. The standard is not legally protected, so although theoretically any building can claim to be a passivhaus, only those that are Certified are verified by the Passivhaus Institute and confirmed as such.
The terms 'passivhaus' and 'passive house' refer to a voluntary low-energy construction standard developed in Germany approximately 25 years ago, with the first monitored pilot scheme being constructed in Darmstadt, Germany, in 1990.
The Passivhaus construction concept is a low-energy standard which is based on a set of identifiable criteria that a building can be measured against. The standard is not legally protected, so although theoretically any building can claim to be a passivhaus, only those that are Certified are verified by the Passivhaus Institute and confirmed as such.
CONCEPT
Passivhaus buildings are defined as those that have an extremely low energy demand and yet meet high standards for thermal comfort and good indoor air quality, even in very cold winters (down to -10 degrees C). The word passive is used because the aim is to eliminate the need for an 'active' heating system: these buildings utilise the internal heat gains and solar energy entering through the glazed windows and doors, and simultaneously minimally heat the incoming fresh air, in order to reduce the heating energy demand to its minimum level for the design in a given geographical location.
Initial investment costs in Passive House buildings are often slightly higher as a result of the more intensive planning and superior components involved. However, over the lifespan of the building, Passive Houses are more cost-effective than their conventional neighbours, due to their extremely low running costs.
Passivhaus buildings are defined as those that have an extremely low energy demand and yet meet high standards for thermal comfort and good indoor air quality, even in very cold winters (down to -10 degrees C). The word passive is used because the aim is to eliminate the need for an 'active' heating system: these buildings utilise the internal heat gains and solar energy entering through the glazed windows and doors, and simultaneously minimally heat the incoming fresh air, in order to reduce the heating energy demand to its minimum level for the design in a given geographical location.
Initial investment costs in Passive House buildings are often slightly higher as a result of the more intensive planning and superior components involved. However, over the lifespan of the building, Passive Houses are more cost-effective than their conventional neighbours, due to their extremely low running costs.
PRINCIPALS
There are 6 main principles of passivhaus design which are based on the technical criteria that must be met in any certified building. The principles are:
There are 6 main principles of passivhaus design which are based on the technical criteria that must be met in any certified building. The principles are:
- Exceptionally high levels of Insulation in the building envelope: all opaque elements of the external construction i.e. the ground floor, external walls and the roof, must be designed to limit heat loss in winter (and overheating in summer) to a much higher standard, whilst being eliminate any cold bridging.
- High performance glazing: this will typically mean triple glazed windows and doors with low-E coatings, a warm edge spacer where the glass meets the frame, and a cross-laminated and / or insulated timber window frame.
- A high level of airtightness: the thermal envelope should be enclosed by one continuous airtightness layer.
- A good quality of indoor air: all spaces should be ventilated via a mechanical ventilation unit with heat recovery (MVHR) with a specified electrical and heat efficiency.
- All electrical consumption within the building is considered and reduced by the use of efficient appliances.
- The glazing arrangement is designed to maximise the available solar gains, and reduce the risk of overheating during times of the year when low sun angles are experienced, for example by incorporating shading elements if needed.
At inhabit Lab we have dedicated members of our team who are accredited Passivhaus designers. We also work closely with recognised Passivhaus certifiers who act as consultants throughout the design and construction stages to assess and monitor projects against Passivhaus and Enerphit standards. If you'd like to know more about how we can help you on Passivhaus projects please contact us here
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