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Passivhaus

Passivhaus is a rigorous standard for energy efficiency in buildings, aimed at reducing the building's ecological footprint. This means that a Passivhaus home is designed and constructed to be incredibly energy-efficient, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate without the need for traditional heating and cooling systems. These homes achieve this through high levels of insulation, airtight construction, and the use of advanced windows and ventilation systems that recover heat. The result is a building that uses significantly less energy, lowers utility bills, and provides a comfortable living environment year-round.


Thermal Envelope
Herbert Paradise features double the thermal insulation required, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort.

Thermal Envelope

An enhanced thermal envelope is a key component of the Passivhaus standard, ensuring exceptional energy efficiency and comfort. This involves using high-performance insulation materials to significantly reduce heat loss through walls, roofs, and floors. 

Consistent Indoor Temperature
Super insulating is important to prevent overheating as well as retaining heat in the winter

Consistent Indoor Temperature

The enhanced thermal envelope effectively maintains a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for additional heating and cooling. This not only contributes to lower energy bills but also ensures a more comfortable living environment throughout the year.


Triple Glazing (1)
Structural triple glazing to the oriel window at Douglas House in Kensal Rise

Triple Glazing

Triple glazing is essential for achieving the Passivhaus standard, providing superior energy efficiency and comfort. With three layers of glass and insulating gas between the panes, triple glazing significantly reduces heat transfer compared to double glazing. 

Low U-values
Structural triple glazing to the oriel window at Douglas House in Kensal Rise

Low U-values

These windows have low U-values, offering excellent insulation and maintaining stable indoor temperatures. They also minimise draughts and cold spots, enhancing comfort and improving sound insulation. By reducing heat loss and improving overall insulation, triple glazing helps lower energy consumption and ensures a cosy living environment year-round.


Airtightness (1)
Base plaster can be used as an airtightness layer

Airtightness

Airtightness is a critical aspect of the Passivhaus standard, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and indoor comfort. This involves meticulous construction techniques to eliminate air leaks through walls, roofs, and floors. High levels of airtightness prevent unwanted draughts and heat loss, maintaining a stable indoor temperature. 

Remove Draughts
Base plaster can be used as an airtightness layer

Remove Draughts

By controlling air infiltration, airtightness also improves the effectiveness of ventilation systems, ensuring consistent air quality and reducing the need for additional heating and cooling. This results in lower energy consumption, reduced utility bills, and a more comfortable living environment throughout the year.


MVHR (1)
MVHR ducting routes with semi-rigid radial ducting at Herbert Paradise

MVHR

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is vital for achieving the Passivhaus standard, significantly improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality. MVHR systems work by extracting stale air from inside the building and replacing it with fresh outdoor air. During this process, heat from the outgoing air is transferred to the incoming air, minimising heat loss. 

Constant Fresh Air
MVHR ducting routes with semi-rigid radial ducting at Herbert Paradise

Constant Fresh Air

This ensures a constant supply of fresh air while maintaining a stable indoor temperature. By reducing the need for additional heating and ensuring excellent air quality, MVHR systems contribute to lower energy consumption and enhanced comfort throughout the year.


ASHP (1)
ASHP enclosure, made from cedar louvres

ASHP

An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) is an important component for achieving the Passivhaus standard, significantly enhancing energy efficiency. ASHPs work by extracting heat from the outside air and using it to warm the home, even in cold weather. 

Enhanced Energy Efficiency
ASHP at Red Brick House

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

This system can also be used for cooling in the summer. By transferring heat rather than generating it from fossil fuels, ASHPs are highly efficient and environmentally friendly. They reduce the need for traditional heating systems, lowering energy consumption and utility bills while providing a comfortable and consistent indoor temperature year-round.


Overheating (1)
Sliding shutters minimise excessive heat gain the summer, while allowing winter sun to enter

Overheating

Effective management of overheating is essential for upholding the Passivhaus standard, which aims to achieve optimal energy efficiency and occupant comfort. To prevent excessive heat gain during warmer periods, several design strategies are employed. These include carefully considering the building's orientation to minimize unwanted solar exposure, incorporating both external and internal shading devices to block direct sunlight, and utilizing overhangs strategically designed to keep out the high summer sun while allowing the lower winter sun to enter. 

Comfortable Indoor Climate
Overhangs allow winter sun to enter, but prevent solar gains from summer sun

Comfortable Indoor Climate

Additionally, the use of high-performance glazing helps to further reduce solar heat gain, contributing to a comfortable indoor environment while maintaining the building's energy-efficient performance.


Thermal Bridges
Construction details on how to minimise thermal bridges

Thermal Bridges

Eliminating thermal bridges is essential for achieving the Passivhaus standard, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and comfort. Thermal bridges are areas where heat bypasses insulation, leading to heat loss and cold spots. To avoid this, careful design and construction techniques are used to ensure continuous insulation across all building elements. 

Avoiding Mould
Window positions are important when considering thermal bridges, which can account for significant heat losses

Avoiding Mould

This includes the use of high performance materials and meticulous detailing at junctions between walls, floors, and roofs. By preventing thermal bridges, buildings maintain a stable indoor temperature, reduce energy consumption, and avoid issues like condensation and mould, resulting in a more comfortable and efficient living environment.


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