A Passive House is a type of building that is designed to keep out the cold and heat, along with reducing the amount of energy used in day to day living It is a type of building that is self-sufficient and energy efficient, relying on simple technologies such as insulation, ventilation, and solar gain. Passive House buildings require no more energy resources than what is available naturally and they have a low environmental impact due to their design.
The most common type of Passive House is one which is built to meet the strict international Passive House certification standard, a certification which is recognized by over 15 countries across the world. This certification is not only focused on energy efficiency but also on an optimal living environment and health of the occupants. Passive Houses are designed to allow for natural ventilation and light, with a high level of insulation and airtightness.
The five best examples of passive housing are:
1. The Passivhaus Pfaffenhofen, Germany: This is a house located in Pfaffenhofen, Germany, which was built to the international Passive House certification standard. Despite being located in a region of Germany with an average temperature of -6.3 degrees Celsius, the house is able to maintain a comfortable temperature in all seasons.
2. The Brooklyn Passive House, USA: This house is located in Brooklyn and is a great example of how passive design can work in urban settings. This house is built with a high level of insulation and airtightness and has both solar panels and geothermal energy sources for supplemental energy requirements.
3. The Delft Bachelors’ Home, The Netherlands: This home is located in Delft and was designed to house six bachelor students from Delft University. It is a great example of how a passive house can be designed to suit different types of occupants and the individual needs of its occupants.
4. The Madrona Passive House, USA: This house is located in Seattle, Washington and is a great example of how a passive house can be designed to suit different climates. This house is built with a high level of insulation and airtightness and has extra features such as an electric car charger and solar panels to help reduce energy usage.
5. The Mies van der Rohe House, Germany: This house is an example of how a passive house can combine modern and traditional architectural designs. This house is located in Germany and is built with high levels of insulation and airtightness, as well as incorporating energy-saving measures such as solar panels and geothermal energy sources.
Passive Houses are an example of how energy efficient and environmentally friendly design can be achieved whilst still being comfortable and functional for occupants. They are an effective way of reducing energy use and are suitable for a range of different climates and occupants.