energy efficient building
passive building
The passive building approach empowers us to build better. It creates durable, resilient buildings that slash heating energy use by as much as 90% and dramatically reduce operational carbon emissions.
Passive house design tools and methods make these energy performance gains both cost-effective and predictable. This allows you to know what performance to expect with a certified passive house.
Most importantly, passive house buildings create healthy, comfortable, and quiet interior environments, full of clean, filtered fresh air.
is passive building more expensive?
The investment in passive design for multi-family buildings represents a modest cost premium, averaging between 0%-9% more than conventional design construction **1.
We know this will pay for itself, since the long-term economic benefits of such structures are substantial. These buildings can realize energy savings of up to 90% and demand less maintenance over time, thereby significantly benefiting property management and homeowners alike, both in terms of time and monetary resources.
Passive buildings, with their reduced demand for heating and cooling, inherently result in lower utility bills compared to conventional buildings. The operational savings on a monthly basis can often exceed the potential increase in mortgage costs, making this a financially advantageous choice for savvy investors.
benifits of passive building
Health-Focused
Constantly supplies filtered fresh air, free of pollutants, and actively prevents harmful mould and mildew.
Dust and Pest-Free
A continuous air barrier and filtered ventilation system prevents dust infiltration, while airtight construction keeps pests outside.
Predictable Performance
The energy efficiency and thermal performance of a passive house as predicted by modelling tools, and since these tools and models are continuously improved, the results closely aligns with the actual performance once occupied.
High Comfort Levels
Consistent interior temperatures and intelligent design strategies balance solar gain and shading.
Odour-Free
Well-designed ventilation systems continuously remove stale air and supply fresh air, eliminating unwanted moisture and odours.
Cost-Effective
Despite slightly higher initial construction costs, energy-efficiency leads to lower operational costs and significant savings.
Noise-Free
High-performance walls, windows, and doors block out external noise, creating a tranquil environment.
Durable
Construction free from condensation-causing thermal bridges reduces maintenance needs and increases the lifespan of the building.
Resilient
Passive buildings are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, power outages, and pollution. low energy consumption allows modest solar arrays and energy storage systems to provide ongoing power during grid failures.
Energy-Efficient
Passive house design exemplifies building as a climate action measure. This is complementary to net zero energy and carbon goals, as well as other green building certifications.
passive building principles
Passive building encompasses a series of design principles aimed at achieving remarkable energy efficiency while also ensuring comfort within indoor environments. These principles are adaptable to all forms of architecture, including individual homes, multi-family apartments, educational facilities, high-rise buildings, and beyond.
Thermal Control
Ensures optimal indoor temperatures irrespective of exterior weather conditions, fostering comfort and energy efficiency.
High-Performance Insulation
Decreased heating and cooling demands while enhancing comfort levels through continuous insulation across the entire structure.
Elimination of Thermal Bridges
Meticulous design eradicates thermal bridges, mitigating "cold corners," reducing potential mold growth indoors, and boosting occupant comfort.
Air Management
Passive buildings attain superior indoor air quality by ensuring the building is airtight and using balanced, mechanical ventilation systems.
Airtightness
An essential element in passive building design, airtightness enhances the structure's longevity and energy savings by minimizing the infiltration of outside air and the loss of conditioned air.
Balanced Ventilation with Heat & Moisture Recovery
with an airtight structure, continuous, balanced ventilation is vital to maintaining indoor air quality. Passive buildings continually expel stale air and supply fresh air to living and workspaces without the need to open windows and let out heat.
Radiation Control
Passive buildings are optimized for solar radiation to prevent overheating. They balance solar radiation and shading to reduce the cooling load and maximize energy efficiency.
High-Performance Glazing
Passive buildings use high-performance windows, usually double or triple-paned depending on climate and building type, as well as high-performance doors, with an emphasis on proper solar heat gain and orientation in design.
Shading and Daylighting
Effective shading strategies exploit solar energy to reduce heating requirements, as well as shade during the cooling season to minimize overheating. Daylight is a significant passive strategy for reducing lighting loads in non-residential buildings and improving the indoor environment.
Moisture Control
Special attention is given to moisture control in passive buildings, and both structure and mechanical systems maintain ideal moisture levels.
Material Moisture
High-performance enclosures in passive buildings ensure easier control over vapour levels, lengthening the lifespan of the building’s materials.
Air Humidity
Well-selected mechanical systems maintain comfortable and safe moisture levels inside passive buildings.