.png){kind=small}
The Passive House standard
The Passive House standard represents a transformative approach to building design, emphasising energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and sustainability. Developed in Germany in the late 1980's, this rigorous, voluntary standard aims to reduce a building's energy consumption by up to 90% compared to conventional structures. It achieves this through principles such as superinsulation, advanced window technology, airtight construction, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. These elements work in concert to maintain consistent indoor temperatures, enhance air quality, and minimise reliance on active heating and cooling systems. By integrating Passive House principles, buildings not only lower energy costs but also provide superior comfort and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Here’s a closer look at the key components of Passive House design that make it so effective:
High-performance insulation: maximising thermal performance
One of the core principles of Passive House design is creating a thermal envelope that minimises heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. This is achieved by using highly insulating materials with superior R-values, such as R-40 for walls and R-60 for roofs. Continuous installation without gaps or breaks prevents heat escape and eliminates weak points known as thermal bridges. This robust insulation not only reduces the need for active heating and cooling systems but also significantly lowers energy costs and environmental impact.
Airtight construction: maintaining a consistent indoor environment
Air-tightness is crucial in Passive House design, preventing uncontrolled air leakage that can account for significant heating and cooling losses. This requires meticulous detailing at every joint, seam, and penetration of the building envelope. Achieving this standard involves the use of airtight membranes, specialised tapes, and sealing compounds, combined with a blower door test to ensure the building meets the required air-tightness level. The result is a comfortable indoor environment with reduced drafts, dust, and allergens.
Eliminating thermal bridges: protecting building integrity
Thermal bridges—areas where heat escapes more easily through the building envelope—are common culprits of energy loss, condensation, and mould growth. Passive House design addresses these issues through thermally broken window frames, insulated foundation systems, and continuous insulation layers. By minimising thermal bridges, we not only enhance energy efficiency but also improve the overall durability and lifespan of the building.
Balanced ventilation with heat recovery: fresh air with minimal energy loss
In an airtight home, balanced ventilation is essential to maintain healthy indoor air quality. Passive House designs utilise heat recovery ventilation (HRV) or energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems, which extract stale air and supply fresh air while recovering up to 90% of the heat from the outgoing air. This system ensures a consistent indoor temperature, reduces the need for additional heating or cooling, and provides a healthier living environment.
Solar radiation control: optimising solar gains for year-round comfort
Effective solar radiation control is a strategic element of Passive House design. The building’s orientation, window placement, and shading devices are carefully planned to maximise solar gains during winter while minimising overheating in summer. Features such as south-facing windows for passive heating and shading elements like overhangs and brise-soleils help maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year.
Passive House is the future of sustainable living
We believe that passive house design offers a pathway to more sustainable, comfortable, and energy-efficient homes.
At SIX x SIXTY Architects, we specialise in energy efficient, environmentally friendly architectural solutions that foster sustainable, healthy environments. Drawing on our design ethos, technical expertise and innovation, we create well-crafted, quality developments that are designed for a better future.
By partnering with us, our clients can realise innovative, sustainable designs that are advantageous to owners, occupants and the broader community while having a positive environmental impact. We’d love to hear from you to discuss your next project.
