In the pursuit of sustainable living, Energy Efficient Homes Ltd, leads the way in constructing Energy Efficient homes. Our expertise caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from those interested in compact townhouses to spacious family homes in subdivisions and lifestyle blocks. We also specialise in building Passive Homes. Here’s how we apply the Passive House principles to create your ideal Energy Efficient dwelling.
Understanding Passive House
Originating in Europe and developed over the last 30 years, the Passive House concept is rooted in the idea that by implementing specific design principles, we can create buildings that maintain healthy indoor environments while drastically reducing the need for heating or cooling. Certified Passive House buildings are distinguished by their exceptional energy efficiency and unparalleled comfort.
The 5 Passive House Principles
1. Thermal Insulation
The first and foremost principle is thermal insulation. To meet Passive House standards, the exterior building components must be exceptionally well-insulated. This means minimising heat transfer through walls, roofs, and floors. Passive House Builds should aspire to have walls and ceilings with U-values between 0.10 W/m2K to 0.15 W/m2K. For us in New Zealand that is an R value between 6.7 and 10. Though more is certainly better!
2. Passive House Windows
Windows play a crucial role in energy-efficient building design. Passive House windows are equipped with well-insulated frames and low-emissivity (low-e) glazing filled with gases like argon or krypton to prevent heat transfer. For warm-temperate climates, the U-value should be 0.90 W/(m²K) or less, with a total solar transmittance (g-value) of around 50%.
3. Ventilation Heat Recovery
Maintaining high indoor air quality while conserving energy is achieved through heat recovery ventilation. In Passive House, at least 75% of heat from exhaust air is transferred to incoming fresh air via a heat exchanger.
4. Airtightness of the Building
An airtight building envelope is essential to prevent heat loss. The air leakage average should be less than 0.6 air changes per hour during a blower door pressure test at 50 Pascal. This ensures that the building retains the heat or coolness generated within.
5. Thermal Bridges
Thermal bridges, areas where heat can escape more readily, must be meticulously planned and executed to be minimised or avoided altogether. Every corner, connection, and penetration in the building envelope is carefully designed to reduce thermal bridging. This is by far the most misunderstood of the five principles, while also being the most important. It will make or break the design.
Why Apply These Principles to Energy-Efficient Builds?
Creating an Energy Efficient home extends beyond simple upgrades like LED lights or efficient appliances. To achieve genuine Energy Efficiency, we apply Passive House principles to all our construction projects.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
By incorporating Passive House principles, homes become significantly more energy-efficient, reducing heating and cooling demands, and ultimately lowering energy bills for homeowners.
Comfort and Health
Passive House principles ensure consistent indoor comfort by maintaining stable temperatures and providing high-quality indoor air. This not only enhances well-being but also reduces the risk of health issues related to poor air quality.
Cost Efficiency
Passive House principles don’t just benefit the environment; they also save homeowners money. By reducing energy consumption, utility bills are substantially lower, making these homes more affordable in the long run.
Tailored Solutions
Each construction project is approached individually, considering the client’s lifestyle and budget. Passive House principles are used as a roadmap to maximise efficiency while minimising costs.
Strategic Design
The design process is methodical, focusing on the most impactful improvements for thermal efficiency and livability. This ensures that every step in construction provides a substantial return on investment.
Energy Efficient Homes Ltd offers a comprehensive range of services to create sustainable and Energy Efficient Homes. Our commitment to applying Passive House principles ensures that your home not only meets but exceeds your expectations, while also contributing to a more sustainable future.
