PASSIVE HOUSE
There are various benefits to going passive, one of which is the level of energy efficiency and comfort that is unmatched to conventional buildings. There are five principles to consider when designing and building a passive house, these include:
1. Thermal Insulation
Quality insulation is another essential component of a passive house required within the building’s envelope. This provides adequate thermal separation between the cooled and heated condition of the internal environment against the external environmental condition. Perfect for the cold winters and scorching hot summers.
​
2. Airtightness
The air tight building envelope is an essential element of a passive house, ensuring there are limited cracks and gaps within the envelope, significantly enhances the thermal comfort of your home.
​
5. Thermal Bridge Free Construction
To ensure a thermal bridge free construction there needs to be continuous and sufficient thickness in the insulation. This means ensuring there is minimal penetration through the insulation or using materials that are less heat conducive. Additionally it is important to include thermal breaks to avoid multiple thermal highways.
In summary, a passive house provides increased comfort, continuous filtered air, clean air, continuously comfortable indoor temperatures where it is not too hot and too cold, noise reduction, high quality windows, and optimal use of passive solar energy and thermal mass making it more affordable to run. With up to 90% energy saving in your home and a reduced carbon footprint, going passive is a no-brainer.
3. Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery
Passive houses incorporated a mechanical ventilation unit, which means you can achieve good indoor air quality with fewer pollutants in the air and lower risk of condensation. This means a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. This works by filtering the air entering the building and effectively recovering the heat and coolth that would commonly be wasted.
4. Passive House (High Performance) Windows
Higher quality windows are another important feature of a passive house. Windows in a passive house are double or triple glazed and provide low-emissivity with thermally broken or non-metal frames. This will allow for solar radiation to penetrate during winter months, saving you on heating and reducing solar radiation during the summer months.
​
How does this effect the cost?
Whilst the cost of constructing a passive house may be slightly more than a standard built home, the long-term benefits out way this small cost. A passive house will provide various long-term gains such as slashing the cost on your energy bills, as it is more energy efficient and requires a fraction of the heating and cooling required in providing a comfortable living environment. In going passive you know you are receiving the best quality.
