What Are the Key Features Of Passive House Design

What Are the Key Features Of Passive House Design Passive house design involves using a natural source of energy such as solar and wind for generating power for household heating, ventilation, cooling, and lighting. The aim is to minimize the usage of mechanically produced heating and cooling. If it is a residential project, then it will make a home more enjoyable to live in by reducing temperature fluctuations and improving indoor air quality.

In the last ten years, the interest in passive house design has significantly grown as the buildings are more resource-efficient and offer a more comfortable life.

There are many benefits of passive house design. Generally, an average house design needs two to three times more heating energy for creating comfortable conditions for living compared to passive house design.

Here are the critical elements of a passive house:

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The location of the building and orientation on site.

The layout of the building Window design Insulation, including windows Shading

ď Ź Ventilation ď Ź Thermal mass Each of these elements works in accordance with each other to maintain the ideal temperature for living and quality indoor air.

Achieving sufficient solar access is the first thing that needs to be done. It has to be adequate for warming indoors during winter but should prevent overheating in summer. To successfully achieve this condition, a proper combination of site orientation, room layout, shading, and window design is required.

A proper ventilation system is essential to have passive cooling and to improve indoor air quality, while thermal mass and insulation maintain even temperature in the house.

A holistic approach is required for all these elements to work alongside each other. For example, large windows give access to natural light, but it can also be the reason for unnecessary heat gain, especially when the area of thermal mass is getting constant light. The windows that provide ventilation can also let in noise.

Several other factors should be taken into account along with the features of passive house design, such as covenants and restrictions of local authority, preferences of building owners, and views.

Passive design for a new building and passive design for existing buildings:

The cost of providing a passive house design to a new building is not that high. Right from the site selection, if the passive design principles are properly incorporated then more benefits can be gained. To maximize the benefits of passive design, simulation tools play a vital role in achieving success with different decisions regarding design.

There is still a chance for improvisation once the design is completed, such as improving insulation, changing room layout for better solar access, etc. However, it is difficult to get complete benefits, for example, changing the house structure for improving wind and sunlight.

Summary: Whether the building design is large, medium or small, passive house design can be easily achieved. If you are looking for a company that offers excellent Passive House Designs, then you can easily find one. Just check out a few websites of reputed companies and approach the one that seems most reliable. It is time that we take care of the environment.

Such a design does not only contribute towards a better environment but also healthy for living.