Short 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 them in the first place.
Key Points #
- High levels of insulation keep heat inside during winter and outside during summer.
- Airtight construction prevents uncontrolled air leakage and draughts.
- High-performance windows reduce heat loss and improve solar gain.
- Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery provides fresh air while retaining warmth.
- Thermal bridge-free design eliminates weak points where heat can escape.
- Each principle supports the others. If one is missing, overall performance is reduced.
Common Questions #
Do I need all 5 principles? Yes, they work as a complete system.
Is Passive House common in NZ? It is growing, but still not standard practice.
Can I apply some principles without certification? Yes, many homes adopt these ideas without formal certification.
Next Step #
If you are planning a new home, our team can help you understand what level of performance is possible and where to focus your budget.
