THE KEY ELEMENTS OF PASSIVHAUS & ENERPHIT
1 Insulation
3 High performing windows & doors
2 Draught-free construction
Typically, you would need to provide insulation in the range of 200 to 400mm in thickness (slightly less for EnerPHit).
This must be continuous around the entire envelope to eliminate thermal bridges (or dramatically reduce them for EnerPHit).
A thermal bridge is effectively a route for heat loss ‘bridging’ across an element within the construction make-up such as external balcony connection or where the foundations meet the ground floor.
2 Draught-free construction
3 High performing windows & doors
2 Draught-free construction
In the more traditional and older built houses we waste an incredible amount of heat generated through draughts.
This is caused by leaky fabric (walls, roof etc.), crude bathroom extractor fans and the primitive ‘trickle’ vents on window frames (both of the latter still permitted by the UK Building Regs).
Getting as close to airtight as physically possible is incredibly important and must be considered carefully early on in the design process.
3 High performing windows & doors
3 High performing windows & doors
4 Mechanical Vent Heat Recovery (MVHR)
The key reason for the use of high performing windows and doors is to ensure thermal comfort and eliminate the risk of condensation.
This in turn stops the ideal conditions needed for the growth of dust mites and mould spores.
In both Passivhaus & EnerPHit it is best practice to utilise Passivhaus Certified triple glazed window units. These windows are meticulously designed, precision engineered and fully performance tested.
4 Mechanical Vent Heat Recovery (MVHR)
4 Mechanical Vent Heat Recovery (MVHR)
4 Mechanical Vent Heat Recovery (MVHR)
Well designed, installed and commissioned MVHR systems remove the warm moist stale air, extract the heat from said warm air and pump it out of the building, whilst in tandem supplying fresh clean filtered air that is pre-warmed by a heat exchanger and then distributed around the remainder of the property.
This process considerably reduces CO2 levels and other particulate build up whilst also controlling the humidity and temperature.
5 Good building commisssioning
4 Mechanical Vent Heat Recovery (MVHR)
6 Solutions for hot and cold climates
It is essential that the building’s mechanical and electrical systems are designed in such a way that
offers the least amount of complications.
Simplicity is key. Once installed and in working order, it is important for the design team to test the systems and check critical elements such as energy / water
consumption and ventilation flow rates.
Building Management Systems (BMS) are not needed under the standards but could offer that simplification.
6 Solutions for hot and cold climates
4 Mechanical Vent Heat Recovery (MVHR)
6 Solutions for hot and cold climates
Both Passivhaus & EnerPHit standards take into consideration their location and more importantly the climate data set for the area in which your project is located.
This and orientation play an incredibly important role in the design. With the right detailing Passivhaus buildings can be used to reduce heating-energy demand in cool climates or reduce cooling-energy demand in warm climates.
The possibilities for application are truly limitless.