Passive house

A passive house is a building designed to the Passivhaus standard, developed in Germany, that uses very little energy for heating and cooling. The name comes from the idea that most of the heat it needs is supplied passively, by solar gain, occupants and appliances. A conventional heating system is often unnecessary, and the standard’s limits and calculation method are defined by the Passive House Institute.

The five core principles

First, thick and continuous insulation, so walls, roof and floor form a single warm envelope. Second, high-performance windows, typically triple glazing in insulated frames. Third, eliminating thermal bridges, which means balcony connections, lintels and foundation details are designed with care. Fourth, airtightness, confirmed on site with a pressure test. Fifth, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, where warmth from outgoing stale air is passed to incoming fresh air. On top of these, orientation, glazing on the sunny side and summer shading are considered from the very first sketches.

In design and presentation

Passive house principles shape the building itself: a compact form, carefully placed windows and deep reveals. In presentation images, showing those thick wall sections and shading elements accurately explains the project’s energy approach at a glance.