Passive House

The following information is for the education and promotion of the building method known as Passive House.

Key Principles of Passive House Construction:
Super-Insulation:
Buildings are designed with continuous and high-performance insulation throughout the envelope (walls, roof, floor), minimizing heat loss or gain.
Airtightness:
Buildings are built to be very airtight, preventing drafts and air leakage, which would lead to energy waste.
High-Performance Windows:
Windows and doors are selected to maximize solar gain in winter and minimize it in summer, and are often triple-paned to minimize heat transfer.
Thermal Bridge-Free Design:
Construction details are carefully managed to avoid thermal bridges, which can create areas of heat loss or gain through the building envelope.
Energy Recovery Ventilation (HRV):
Ventilation systems are designed to recover heat and moisture from exhaust air, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Passive Solar Design:
Buildings are oriented and designed to take advantage of solar energy, with windows strategically placed to capture the sun's energy in winter and shade it in summer.

Benefits of Passive House Construction:
Reduced Energy Consumption:
Passive houses require significantly less energy for heating and cooling compared to conventional homes.
Comfort and Indoor Air Quality:
Passive houses provide a comfortable indoor environment with a consistent temperature and high-quality air circulation.
Durability and Longevity:
Well-designed and constructed passive houses are durable and long-lasting, with minimal maintenance requirements.
Cost Savings:
While initial construction costs may be higher, passive houses can save money on energy bills and maintenance over their lifespan.
In essence, passive house construction is a holistic approach to building that prioritizes energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality, resulting in buildings that are both sustainable and pleasant to live in

Use the links below to learn more or just call us we are always happy to discuss Passive Design!

Certification body:    PHIUS.org

Introduction to Passive House:     Passive House 101 (Video)