Thermal Envelope

An enhanced thermal envelope is a key component of the Passivhaus standard, ensuring exceptional energy efficiency and comfort. This involves using high-performance insulation materials to significantly reduce heat loss through walls, roofs, and floors. 

Consistent Indoor Temperature

The enhanced thermal envelope effectively maintains a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for additional heating and cooling. This not only contributes to lower energy bills but also ensures a more comfortable living environment throughout the year.

Triple Glazing

Triple glazing is essential for achieving the Passivhaus standard, providing superior energy efficiency and comfort. With three layers of glass and insulating gas between the panes, triple glazing significantly reduces heat transfer compared to double glazing. 

Low U-values

These windows have low U-values, offering excellent insulation and maintaining stable indoor temperatures. They also minimise draughts and cold spots, enhancing comfort and improving sound insulation. By reducing heat loss and improving overall insulation, triple glazing helps lower energy consumption and ensures a cosy living environment year-round.

Airtightness

Airtightness is a critical aspect of the Passivhaus standard, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and indoor comfort. This involves meticulous construction techniques to eliminate air leaks through walls, roofs, and floors. High levels of airtightness prevent unwanted draughts and heat loss, maintaining a stable indoor temperature. 

Remove Draughts

By controlling air infiltration, airtightness also improves the effectiveness of ventilation systems, ensuring consistent air quality and reducing the need for additional heating and cooling. This results in lower energy consumption, reduced utility bills, and a more comfortable living environment throughout the year.

MVHR

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is vital for achieving the Passivhaus standard, significantly improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality. MVHR systems work by extracting stale air from inside the building and replacing it with fresh outdoor air. During this process, heat from the outgoing air is transferred to the incoming air, minimising heat loss. 

Constant Fresh Air

This ensures a constant supply of fresh air while maintaining a stable indoor temperature. By reducing the need for additional heating and ensuring excellent air quality, MVHR systems contribute to lower energy consumption and enhanced comfort throughout the year.

ASHP

An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) is an important component for achieving the Passivhaus standard, significantly enhancing energy efficiency. ASHPs work by extracting heat from the outside air and using it to warm the home, even in cold weather. 

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

This system can also be used for cooling in the summer. By transferring heat rather than generating it from fossil fuels, ASHPs are highly efficient and environmentally friendly. They reduce the need for traditional heating systems, lowering energy consumption and utility bills while providing a comfortable and consistent indoor temperature year-round.

Overheating

Effective management of overheating is essential for upholding the Passivhaus standard, which aims to achieve optimal energy efficiency and occupant comfort. To prevent excessive heat gain during warmer periods, several design strategies are employed. These include carefully considering the building's orientation to minimize unwanted solar exposure, incorporating both external and internal shading devices to block direct sunlight, and utilizing overhangs strategically designed to keep out the high summer sun while allowing the lower winter sun to enter. 

Comfortable Indoor Climate

Additionally, the use of high-performance glazing helps to further reduce solar heat gain, contributing to a comfortable indoor environment while maintaining the building's energy-efficient performance.

Thermal Bridges

Eliminating thermal bridges is essential for achieving the Passivhaus standard, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and comfort. Thermal bridges are areas where heat bypasses insulation, leading to heat loss and cold spots. To avoid this, careful design and construction techniques are used to ensure continuous insulation across all building elements. 

Avoiding Mould

This includes the use of high performance materials and meticulous detailing at junctions between walls, floors, and roofs. By preventing thermal bridges, buildings maintain a stable indoor temperature, reduce energy consumption, and avoid issues like condensation and mould, resulting in a more comfortable and efficient living environment.