What is a Passivhaus?

A Passivhaus (or Passive House) is a type of building that is designed to be extremely energy efficient.

It follows a set of principles that help reduce the need for heating and cooling, making it more comfortable and cheaper to run.

The Passivhaus standard was first developed in Germany in the 1990s and has since become popular in many countries, including the UK.

Key Features of a Passivhaus

A Passivhaus is built using a few key principles to achieve its high energy efficiency:

1. Super Insulation – The walls, roof, and floor of a Passivhaus have thick layers of insulation. This helps to keep heat inside during winter and prevent too much heat from entering in summer.
2. Airtightness – Passivhaus buildings are extremely airtight, meaning there are no draughts or leaks that allow warm air to escape. This helps to keep the indoor temperature stable and reduces the need for extra heating.
3. High-Quality Windows and Doors – Special triple-glazed windows and well-insulated doors are used to prevent heat loss and keep the home comfortable all year round.
4. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) – Since Passivhaus buildings are so airtight, they use a ventilation system that brings in fresh air while recovering heat from outgoing air. This keeps the air inside fresh without losing warmth.
5. Minimal Thermal Bridges – A thermal bridge is a weak point in insulation where heat can escape. Passivhaus designs carefully avoid these, making sure heat stays inside where it’s needed.

Benefits of a Passivhaus

• Lower Energy Bills – Because a Passivhaus uses very little energy for heating and cooling, the cost of running the building is much lower than a traditional home.
• Comfortable Living Environment – The temperature inside stays steady, with no cold draughts or overheating.
• Better Air Quality – The MVHR system ensures a constant supply of fresh, filtered air, which can improve health and well-being.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint – Using less energy means fewer carbon emissions, making Passivhaus buildings more environmentally friendly.
• Quiet and Peaceful – The thick insulation and high-quality windows help to block out noise from outside.

Can Any Home Be a Passivhaus?

New homes can be built to the Passivhaus standard, but existing buildings can also be improved to become more energy efficient.

While it is harder to make an old house completely meet Passivhaus standards, it is possible to renovate homes to get close to these high levels of efficiency.

EnerPHit is the name given to the standard whereby older houses that cannot achieve Passivhaus requirements can be retrofitted to become economically and ecologically optimal.

Passivhaus is an eco-friendly housing standard that helps ensure new houses minimise their impact on the environment

A Passivhaus is a smart choice for anyone looking for a home that is energy efficient, comfortable, and eco-friendly.

While it requires careful design and high-quality materials, the long-term benefits in lower energy costs and improved living conditions make it a worthwhile investment.

As more people look for ways to reduce their energy use and impact on the environment, Passivhaus buildings are likely to become even more popular in the UK and beyond.