What is Passivhaus?
Passivhaus is a quality assured standard for the design and construction of comfortable buildings that are highly energy efficient. A Passivhaus building aims to reduce the need to heat the building by being effectively sealed against the elements.
Key features
The features of a Passivhaus building will vary however below are some common features:
- Greater insulation than typical UK properties
- Triple glazing, with insulated frames
- Impressive airtightness levels (around 20x more than a standard build)
- Mechanical ventilation, with heat recovery system attached.
- Minimal thermal bridging
- Optimisation of passive solar gain
- Low heating demand
Benefits of Passivhaus
The benefits of a Passivhaus building will vary however below are some common features:
- Lower energy usage and costs
- The dry air eliminates the chance of mould & damp, condensation on the inside of windows.
- The dry air helps dry clothes quickly when hung inside.
- The air quality is cleaner and healthier.
- Warm, snug rooms at a constant temperature without any draughts or cold spots in winter
- Cooler rooms in summer
- Low maintenance costs as there is no need for complicated heating or cooling with hi-tech controls.
- Triple glazed windows are excellent at keeping noise out.