Originally developed in Germany in the 1990s (Passivhaus), Passive House is a design standard that uses minimal heating or cooling – and delivers comfortable, healthy and energy efficient buildings.
A Passive House building uses insulation, airtightness, quality windows and doors and a ventilation system with heat recovery and exchange. Wherever possible, “thermal bridges” (points where heat and cold can cross from the outside to the inside) are eliminated.
The end result is a building with a consistent, comfortable temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius), clean air and very low operating costs.
The five key principles are:
- No thermal bridging
- Superior windows
- Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
- Quality insulation
- Airtight construction
www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/passive-house
Read more: Cowes Cultural Centre - Passive House
