Passive House
How Passive House Ventilation Systems Work
Last Updated: April 29, 2026Short Answer Passive House ventilation systems continuously supply fresh air while recovering heat from outgoing air, maintaining comfort and efficiency. Overview Ventilation is essential in airtight homes. Passive House systems ensure air quality without sacrificing energy performance. Key Points Stale air is extracted from wet areas. Fresh air is brought into living spaces. Heat is...
Passive House Design in New Zealand: What You Should Know
Last Updated: April 29, 2026Short Answer Passive House design in New Zealand must respond to local climate conditions, orientation, and building practices while still applying the core principles of insulation, airtightness, and ventilation. Overview Passive House originated in Europe, but the principles apply globally. In New Zealand, especially Canterbury, design needs to respond to cooler winters, high solar gain,...
Are Passive Houses Comfortable Year-Round?
Last Updated: April 29, 2026Short Answer Yes. Passive Houses are designed to maintain a stable indoor temperature year-round, staying warm in winter and cool in summer with minimal temperature fluctuation. Overview Comfort is one of the defining features of a Passive House. Rather than relying on heating and cooling systems, the design itself maintains a consistent indoor environment. Key...
Passive House vs Standard New Zealand Homes
Last Updated: April 29, 2026Short Answer Passive Houses are designed to use significantly less energy while maintaining consistent indoor comfort, whereas standard New Zealand homes are built to minimum code and often experience heat loss, draughts, and temperature fluctuations. Overview In New Zealand, most homes are built to meet minimum building code requirements. Passive House takes a different approach,...
What Are the 5 Passive House Principles?
Last Updated: April 29, 2026Short Answer The 5 Passive House principles are insulation, airtightness, high-performance windows, mechanical ventilation, and thermal bridge-free construction, all working together to create a high-performance home. Overview Passive House is a globally recognised building standard focused on comfort, health, and energy efficiency. Rather than relying on heating systems, it focuses on reducing the need for...