Whether you’re a homeowner seeking sustainable residential architecture styles or a business seeking energy-efficient designs to lessen operation costs, Passivhaus design is a versatile and forward-thinking option. In this handy guide, you can discover how Passivhaus architectural services work and how they can be beneficial for residential and commercial properties alike.
Defining Passivhaus
Translated to ‘passive house’ in English, Passivhaus buildings are designed to be highly energy-efficient, meaning they maintain a near-constant temperature. This naturally consistent temperature, in turn, prevents the need to use additional heating and cooling measures.
Passivhaus properties are more energy-efficient than many other properties, thanks to specific measures implemented in their architecture. Common measures that are used typically include optimal insulation, airtightness, and renewable energy sources. As an additional benefit, Passivhaus designs can be applied to many types of buildings, from homes to schools and offices. Many properties can even be retrofitted with Passivhaus designs.
Key Features of Passivhaus Properties
While the exact construction methods of Passivhaus properties are likely to vary, there are some features many of these sustainable designs are likely to have in common. Below, you can discover some of the key features that may be included in Passivhaus designs and how they create a more sustainable property.
Excellent Insulation
Insulation is an important feature of any property, however, Passivhaus properties utilise insulation carefully to ensure that the building will keep the warmth it needs. Walls, roofs, and floors are generally highly insulated, helping to minimise heat loss. Insulation is designed to keep a building warm in the winter, as well as cool in the summer, reducing reliance on a property’s heating and cooling systems.
Airtight Construction
One way a property can easily drop in temperature is if cooler air from outside of the building is finding its way inside. Draughts occur when uncontrolled airflow enters through gaps, cracks, or poorly sealed areas. Common places that may allow in draughts include walls, ceilings, floors, roofs, and fireplaces.
In Passivhaus properties, airtight construction stops these draughts from making their way in and reducing the temperature of the property. These buildings will also retain their heat better, as warm air from inside the property will not escape as easily.
High-Performance Windows and Doors
To prevent heat from escaping easily out of windows, many properties across the UK now have double-glazed windows installed. Passivhaus properties, on the other hand, will generally have triple-glazed windows or better, as extra glazing can help to further reduce the heat loss experienced through windows and doors. Many Passivhaus properties have measures like triple glazing and insulated frames, which minimise the transfer of heat. Additionally, these quality windows will allow more natural light inside, passively heating the property without the risk of severe energy loss.
The Benefits of Passivhaus Sustainable Designs
Passivhaus designs can offer numerous benefits to homeowners, businesses, and the environment, simultaneously. These benefits stem from the combination of comfort, energy efficiency and sustainability found inherently in their designs. Read on to discover some ways in which Passivhaus architecture can be advantageous.
Energy Savings
Compared to traditional homes and properties, Passivhaus structures use far less energy for heating and cooling. This efficiency can be achieved through the mentioned measures of excellent insulation, airtight construction and high-performance windows and doors. Saving energy can help to reduce a household’s bills or a business’s operational costs, making Passivhaus designs appealing to residential and commercial customers alike.
Comfort
Properties with consistent temperatures are generally more comfortable to live and work within, as the inhabitants needn’t worry about making adjustments to keep up with any drastic fluctuations. Similarly, Passivhaus properties generally provide better air quality, which can have positive impacts on health and cognitive performance.
Sustainability
When warming up our homes, we might not think about the impact our heating systems are having on the local environment. Unfortunately, however, the energy needed to warm a property often results in high carbon emissions, which can significantly contribute to climate change.
Passivhaus properties, with their consistent temperatures and structures sealed against draughts, require comparatively little energy and can therefore contribute fewer carbon emissions. For commercial properties, this measure can help a business to align with the current global goals toward sustainability and ecoconsciousness.
Durability
Passivhaus buildings are built to last, crafted with durable materials and built with structural security in mind. These properties are often less troublesome than ordinary properties to care for, as they are less reliant on heating and cooling systems. Properties that constantly require a heating and cooling system will suffer should a technical issue occur, while Passivhaus properties are much more likely to survive for longer periods without external support.
Common Misconceptions about Passivhaus Designs
Despite its growing popularity, several misconceptions about Passivhaus designs exist, preventing homeowners and businesses from exploring their vast range of benefits. In this section, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths surrounding these architectural designs.
Passivhaus Designs Are Uncomfortably Warm
Due to the high levels of insulation, a common misconception about Passivhaus properties is that they will be uncomfortably warm. Thankfully, this is simply a myth! Passivhaus designs are created to also reduce the need for cooling systems, as well as heating measures. These homes prevent warm air from transferring inside during the summer, thanks to the quality windows and airtight construction.
Passivhaus Homes Are Unattractive
One of the most popular myths regarding Passivhaus homes and offices is that they are unattractive. In reality, it’s quite the opposite! Passivhaus homes can be highly attractive and designed to fit your personal tastes or company branding. The following section further explores how Passivhaus homes are elegantly designed, so read on to discover more.
Combining Elegance and Functionality
Passivhaus properties are celebrated for their unique ability to blend stylish design with outstanding energy efficiency, making them a standout choice for modern living and working spaces. Far from sacrificing aesthetics for sustainability, Passivhaus buildings often feature sleek, minimalist designs and high-quality materials that are both functional and visually appealing. In this section, you can discover how Passivhaus properties offer both elegance and functionality simultaneously.
Minimal and Modern Aesthetics
Thanks to their advanced design and energy-efficient approach, Passivhaus properties are generally highly stylish. Large windows, for example, have a dual function of allowing in natural lighting that can heat a room, while offering a modern and minimalist appearance.
Functionality in Design
While stylish, each formation in Passivhaus designs is there to serve a purpose and make a property more energy efficient. Certain features can even be hidden discreetly out of sight, while still entirely functional. Alternatively, functional features might be carefully incorporated into the building’s design, making them attractive and intentional.
Architectural Creativity
Passivhaus's measures and principles can be applied to a variety of established designs, making them widely versatile. Passivhaus design might be used in minimalist buildings, but it can also apply to traditionally styled cottages, for example. With the right Passivhaus architects, there is no shortage of creative steps that can be taken to achieve your dream property with a sustainable design.
Durability and Elegance
The low demands of Passivhaus properties can often mean that their upkeep is minimal too, preventing the inhabitants from needing to continuously work hard to make buildings look appealing. When durable and energy-efficient materials are used, a property can remain effortlessly elegant throughout the year.
Passivhaus properties, like any other architectural project, will always be designed with the inhabitants in mind. So, if you have a specific way you would like your Passivhaus property to look, it’s always worth providing the experts with your design ideas.
Architectural and Passivhaus Services at Elite Renewables
Here at Elite Renewables, we offer professional Passivhaus architectural services for both residential and commercial properties. Our services are designed to make buildings more efficient and to make the most of the renewable energy used to heat and power the property. By optimising insulation, airtightness, and ventilation, we can significantly reduce energy consumption, lower heating and cooling costs, and create more comfortable living and working environments.
Further Sustainable Features and Services
Alongside our Passivhaus sustainable designs, we also help homeowners and businesses revolutionise the way they power their daily lives. From EV charging stations to high-quality solar PV solutions, our team at Elite Renewables take pride in helping residents and businesses across London to utilise renewable energy sources, taking greener approaches to heat and power.
Reach Out to Us
If you’re ready to explore how our professional architectural services can bring your dream Passivhaus property to life, our friendly team is here to discuss it with you. Whether you’re considering a commercial project or a residential build, our experts can provide you with the support and professional services you need. To find out more, please visit our website or get in touch with us directly today.
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