Where Energy Efficiency Meets Cosy Comfort
If you’re looking to build a new home or renovate your existing one, you might want to consider the Passivhaus Design Standard. It’s not just your ordinary house – it’s energy-efficient & designed to save you money whilst making your living experience more comfortable.
Here at Footprint we’re experts in Passivhaus design and would like to share a few reasons why it’s a standard worth reaching for.
1) Reduced Energy Costs with Passivhaus Design
With Passivhaus (aka Passive House), you don’t need to worry about increasing utility bills. These houses are built with a keen focus on insulation and airtightness, which means less heat loss and less need for heating or cooling systems. The building is wrapped in high levels of insulation, with careful detailing to ensure there are no breaks. Unlike a standard house a Passivhaus has nowhere for the heat to escape.
Our latest community building at Durley Chine in Bournemouth is a sustainable Environmental Hub. Commissioned by BCP, it uses 90sqm of PV panels allowing it to become net zero in use, meaning it is designed to not require energy from the grid. The result? Savings on energy costs.
2) It's All About Fresh Air
Who doesn’t love a breath of fresh air? Passivhaus buildings are designed to keep the air inside pure and pollutant-free.
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is used to make sure that buildings don’t become stale, stuffy boxes. The system brings in cold fresh air from outside and mixes it with warm stale air from inside, the result… a building filled with warm fresh air! It’s like having your personal air purifier, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
One misconception we often hear is you can’t open your windows in a Passivhaus and that’s not true. A Passivhaus functions like an ordinary house it’s just a lot smarter and greener.
3) Comfort in Every Season, Whatever the Weather, with Passivhaus Design
Our designs are driven to maximise comfort for our clients. Our Passivhaus in Salisbury has a mix of beautiful open plan spaces and comfortable private spaces providing a great mix in a family home.
Imagine stepping into your home and feeling that perfect temperature all year round. Passivhaus design is all about maintaining a consistent and comfortable indoor environment. Thermal bridging, or cold bridging, is where the building envelope features a material that conducts heat, like metal, and allows heat to escape more quickly.
Passivhaus design aims to ensure that the building is wrapped in materials that are poor conductors of heat to ensure that buildings stay warm. Thanks to the excellent insulation and airtightness, you’ll experience a comfortable internal temperature all year round that’s unaffected by the changing seasons.
4) Sturdy and Low Maintenance
We all want a home that stands the test of time and doesn’t require constant repairs. Passivhaus buildings are built to last. With high-quality materials and construction techniques, these houses are durable and low-maintenance.
The super insulation and airtightness of the building envelope prevent moisture and air from penetrating the structure making them last. This reduces the risk of structural damage and ensures that the building remains in good condition for many years.
5) Passivhaus = Green Living for a Greener Planet
It’s in our name ‘Footprint’ we care deeply about the planet and Passivhaus is all about sustainable living.
By reducing energy consumption and maximising efficiency, these buildings have a significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional homes. Plus, the use of circular economy, high specification materials and construction techniques minimises waste and ensures your home has a long and eco-friendly lifespan.
We love increasing the use of reclaimed materials in our projects such as Durley Chine Environmental Hub which uses 52 tons of reclaimed groynes directly from the beachfront.
6) Compliance Made Easy with Passivhaus Standards
Navigating building regulations can be a headache for the uninitiated, however as experts at designing Passivhaus we’re always up to date with the latest regulations to help and advise you.
Building a Passivhaus means you’re already one step ahead. These homes comply with stringent energy-efficiency standards, making it a breeze to meet building regulations. This means your home will be fit for the future.
Our example is Mudeford Passivhaus which features MVHR units, Solar panels and charging point provisions to ensure it remains a current home in the future.
7) Your Home's Resale Value
Passivhaus buildings are gaining popularity by the day. More and more people recognise the value of energy-efficient and sustainable homes. So, if you ever decide to sell, having a Passivhaus could boost your home’s resale value. Buyers will be lining up, impressed by the quality, durability, and potential for long-term energy savings.
In a nutshell, Passivhaus design is a game-changer when it comes to creating a comfortable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly home. Help be a trail blazer being ahead of the curve with a new sustainable home.
When considering your next building project, why not explore the transformative possibilities that Passivhaus design can offer? By doing so, you’ll be taking a significant step toward creating a sustainable and comfortable home for yourself and future generations. Still unsure? Give us a ring or email us any questions & our expert team will be happy to help.
Considering a Passive House for Your New Home?
A well-designed Passive House can provide exceptional year-round comfort, healthier indoor air and significantly lower energy use.
Our experienced team can help you explore what is possible for your site, budget and ambitions.
