Passivhaus Standard
“an ultra low energy approach to building which can dramatically reducing fuel requirements, improve internal air quality and comfort level within the property”
Current Passivhaus Projects:
New build Passivhaus Plus dwelling outside Belfast
When embarking on a Passive House standard building there has to be full commitment by all members of the project, from the client to the design team and every tradesperson and contractor who contributes to the build. A knowledge and understanding of how the standard is achieved should be installed in all involved in the project from the very beginning. To achieve the standard and obtain certification, the following information is checked by the Passivhaus Certifer (accredited by the German Passivhaus Institut as a Passive House Certification body)
the project design
construction details
climate and site context are modeled in the latest version of the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP), the essential energy balancing tool required to plan Passive House projects
performance certificates for key elements of the project
photographic evidence of construction details
on-site independent test results for such aspects as airtightness and balancing of ventilation equipment
We offer our clients the benefits of sustainable and low energy design from our initial discussions and meetings. This can then be developed further into providing the services and skills to advance the project using the Passive House Standard, once seen as a niche approach for a small minority, its influence is growing rapidly.
Passive House components
The Passive House concept represents the state-of-the-art technical solution for energy-efficient building. The main components of a Passive House building include:
Excellent thermal insulation
Avoiding thermal bridges; air and wind-tight construction of the building envelope
Coordinated passive solar components; quality, size and orientation of windows
High-performance ventilation unit
Energy-efficient electrical installations
Passivhaus Links:
Founded in 1996 as an independent research institute under the leadership of Dr. Wolfgang Feist. The PHI developed and promoted the Passivhaus concept in Germany and worldwide.
The Passivhaus Trust (PHT) is an independent industry leading organisation that promotes the adoption of Passivhaus in the UK. PHT is part of the global Passivhaus movement and the official UK affiliate of the International Passive House Association (iPHA).
Passive House Association of Ireland (PHAI)
The Passive House Association of Ireland (PHAI) is a catalyst for the increased awareness of the opportunities and benefits of low energy design based on the Passive House principles, across the Irish construction industry as a whole
