What is a Passive House?

What is a Passive House?

Passive House (or Passivhaus) is a world-leading building design standard originally developed in Germany that delivers high-performing buildings. When built to such standards, these buildings consume 90% less heating and cooling energy than conventional buildings.

The design standards for Passive Houses are set high and have been rigorously tested scientifically. Passive House construction also results in a healthier home, free of toxic materials and mould and makes for a very comfortable living environment. Passive Houses perform all year round and maintain stable air temperatures and exceptional air quality.

There are 5 key Passive House building principles.

1. High Quality Insulation

High-quality insulation is essential to optimising energy efficiency by preventing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Insulation becomes highly effective when wrapped uninterrupted around the entire building if possible.

2. Thermal bridge-free construction

Thermal bridges are points within the construction of a building that allows for heat or cold to cross between the inside and outside of the building. Thermal bridges also can cause more condensation and therefore, mould. They often occur around points where different materials meet, such as windows.

Passive House construction eliminates thermal bridges through the use of high-performance insulation and innovative construction methods within the design of the building.

3. Airtight Building Construction

This is achieved through the use of high-performance building envelopes or membranes that consist of the roof, subfloor, doors, windows and walls. Airtightness is essential for energy efficiency as well as comfort.

An airtight building does not mean you can't open any doors or windows or that there is no ventilation. It means that through its design, the ventilation system of the building operates as efficiently as possible. This reduces moisture damage, mould and uncomfortable temperature changes.

4. High performance windows

Among Australian homes, 10-35% of heat gains or losses are through single-glazed windows and doors. Passive House building standards utilise double-glazed windows to provide essential insulation to the building. In Australia, passive houses transmit just 1/6th of the heat compared to a typical single-glazed window.

5. Heat recovery ventilation

Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems allow for air circulation without losing any heat. This allows for fresh air to circulate throughout the house, free of toxins and without having to open any windows. A mechanical unit is used to bring the fresh, filtered air into the home, without losing or gaining heat.

Design meets function.

M2 Haus we create functional spaces with beautiful interiors for timeless moments.

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