Passivhaus


Passivhaus buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort, while using very little energy. The ‘Fabric First’ approach will achieve a premium standard of construction, superb comfort, a quiet and calm space, even temperatures throughout and low running costs.

A Passivhaus is built with meticulous attention to detail; rigorous design, high-quality construction and quality scrutinised components. These principles have been developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany and can be certified through an exacting quality assurance process.

Passivhaus is a ‘Performance Standard’ and therefore can work with traditional or contemporary designs, either residential or commercial.

 


Advantages of Passivhaus:

  • High levels of thermal comfort – the temperature is consistent in all corners of all rooms throughout the year.
  • Low energy costs – particularly the heating.
  • Environmentally friendly – low energy use and long lifespan of the building.
  • Healthy environment – particularly the air quality.
  • No drafts – drafts are uncomfortable and can make the interior of a building feel 2 degrees colder.
  • Low levels of noise – almost no external sound transfer.
  • Energy security – generally it is accepted that energy costs will rise in the future.
  • Enhanced lifespan of the building – due to the quality of the construction.
  • Enhanced value – potentially enhanced value of the building.
Optimum Architecture - Architecture and Construction, Suffolk, Essex

Principles of Passivhaus:

  • Compact building form – the ratio between surface area and volume is minimised for efficiency.
  • Super insulation – a continuous thermal envelope and high levels of insulation to minimise heat loss.
  • MVHR – Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, minimising heat loss whilst providing fresh air.
  • Fenestration – High quality triple glazed PH standard doors and windows.
  • Glazing – orientated to optimise winter solar gain.
  • Shading – to prevent summer overheating.
  • Thermal bridges – thermal bridge free construction.
  • Air barrier – continuous air barrier preventing any drafts.

If you have a project that would benefit from our passion for architectural design and desire for sustainable high quality low energy construction, then we would love to talk with you.

Below is a list of some UK Passivhaus projects that we love.

  • Carrowbreck Meadow Norwich
  • Oak frame Lakehouse Gloucestershire
  • Diagram showing the basic principles of PH
  • Hadlow College Kent
  • Social houses Wimbish, Essex

The links below will detail more information about the principles. If you would like to commision a Passivhaus building we would love to talk with you.


Links:

Passivhaus Trust (UK) – http://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/

Passivhaus Institute (International)http://passivehouse.com/

BRE (Building Research Establishment) – https://www.bregroup.com/a-z/the-passivhaus-standard/

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