With over 30,000 buildings certified, Passivhaus (‘Passive House’ in Europe) is fast becoming one of the most significant energy performance standards worldwide.
The first Passivhaus buildings were constructed in 1991, with the core aims of the movement – building houses with exceptional thermal performance, airtightness and ventilation – beginning with professors Bo Adamson of Sweden and Wolfgang Feist of Germany.
Using robust design principles, a Passivhaus utilises shading, natural cross-ventilation and more to achieve remarkably low heating requirements. In fact: a traditional heating (or cooling) system is no longer considered a necessity, such that in some designs a heated towel rail alone will suffice.
By definition: “A Passivhaus is a building for which thermal comfort can be achieved solely by post-heating or post-cooling of the fresh air mass, which is required to achieve sufficient indoor air quality conditions – without the need for additional recirculation of air.”
Virtually every construction method can meet the standard, from masonry and concrete to steel manufacture. Applicable to commercial, industrial and public buildings, as much as residential, the standard has been applied in every European country as well as the USA, Australia, Canada, China and Japan.
The official UK certifier for Passivhaus buildings is the BRE, who can provide pre-assessments, full building certifications and – for qualified CEPH Designers – reduced rates for their certification scheme. Contact the Passivhaus Institute in Watford for further advice on:
• Design concept and strategy
• Low energy design advice
• Construction techniques
• Thermal modelling
Do you want to construct a Passivhaus home? As an approved manufacturer of products which meet these standards, Sunsquare can help with implementation of your project. The Aero range of rooflights, for example, offer an ideal specification candidate for Passivhaus buildings. You can visit Sunsquare’s product display at the BRE centre in Watford or click to their website to learn more.