The name derives from the fact that the sun’s rays, coupled with the heat generated by the people and appliances within the building, are sufficient enough to maintain a comfortable ambient temperature throughout the time that heating is required. The remaining heating requirement is supplied by warming the air current flowing through the existing ventilation system.

Cooling is also minimised by the same principles and also through the use of shading or, in some cases, via the pre-cooling of the supply air. Night purging and the use of natural cross-ventilation through open windows is encouraged during the summer months.

Benefits of Passivhaus

Passivhaus is the single fastest-growing energy performance standard in the world. The standard’s principle strengths are simple in theory, namely to construct a building that has incredible thermal performance, extraordinary airtightness with the aid of mechanical ventilation.

This simple and robust approach to construction design forces the designer to minimise the ‘Heating Demand’. The heat generated internally is then recovered and circulated by a Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) system.

The impressive energy-saving standard of Passsivhaus certified windows guarantees a reduction of 80-90% in heating energy compared to traditional new-builds according to the German heat conservation mandate of 1995. This is also a given in that any design must be simulated in the PHPP (Passivhaus Planning Package) and meets the strict criteria.

As well as being an energy performance standard, it also provides excellent indoor air quality and comfort. This is achieved by reducing the air infiltration rates and supplying fresh air which is filtered and post heated by the MVHR unit. The UK has the highest level of Asthma sufferers in Europe, largely down to our old and dilapidated building stock; PassivHaus would massively improve many Asthma related issues and is also being actively considered for elderly care homes for air quality and comfort reasons alone.

The standard can be applied to any climate in the world and works equally as well in warm climates as it does in more moderate climates.

The awareness and increased instances of fuel poverty increase the importance to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. The continued and significant increases in fuel prices are “fuelling” the interest and momentum around Passivhaus as the single answer to our future construction direction. EcoHaus Internorm has supplied and fitted into prestigious single residential builds with total annual Energy bills of £60-£70. Many social housing units constructed to Passivhaus have total annual Energy bills of £32-£48 per annum, eradicating fuel poverty for the tenants.

History of Passivhaus

Passivhaus was developed in Germany in the early 1990s by Professors Bo Adamson of Sweden and Wolfgang Feist of Germany. The first dwelling to be completed to this energy-efficient standard was constructed in Darmstadt in 1991. This building is still subject to testing annually and some 24 years later still performs to Passivhaus. This data is regularly shared and discussed at the UK’s Passivhaus conference proving the build standard’s longevity and sustainability. The standard is not restricted to residential dwellings but is actively used in commercial, multi-residential, schools, universities and public buildings.

Passivhaus UK Window Suppliers

Windows must demonstrate a Uw value of less than uW0.8 W/m²K where the glazing Ug = 0.7 W/m²K and a g-value of around 50 %. At ecoHaus Internorm, we produce Passivhaus UK windows and doors in both uPVC/aluminium and timber/aluminium clad. The KF410 is the Internorm entry-level passive house uPVC/aluminium clad window with matching door system. This ecoHaus design style window is actively specified on many single, Multi-Residential, Social Housing and school projects.

This energy standard is extremely cost-effective and, being Secured By Design and Life Time for Homes Compliant, means it ticks all of the key “must-have” attributes Architects require. The versatile Passivhaus KF410 is particularly successful for main contractors on design-build projects and is cost-effective and supported by a 30 Year Quality Assurance Warranty from Internorm.

The tasteful HF210 boasts impressive uW values of 0.74 and is the entry-level timber/aluminium clad system – available in the stylish home pure, harmonious home soft and traditional ambiente design. With matching Passivhaus door suites including entrance, patio and sliding door options, it is a popular choice amongst our product ranges. However, if you are looking for a leading passive house timber/aluminium clad composite window, our HF410 is the ultimate glazing solution with UW values of 0.69, we will leave the choice up to you!

The Passivhaus Standard

The most important factor, other than its uW value and airtightness performance, is the need for absolute quality at the point of installation. ecoHaus Internorm insists on installing all windows and doors into Passivhaus projects. The reason is very simple, we must guarantee the integrity of the airtightness and junction between the windows/doors and the building fabric. We take this installation “artform” extremely seriously and also insist we have a technician on-site at all critical air tests.

ecoHaus Internorm is the leading Passivhaus window supplier and installer in the UK and also zero carbon private and commercial projects. Our commitment to detail and ownership has resulted in a reputation based on quality at every level of every task we undertake. That, in Passivhaus, is an extremely rare occurrence.

Are you planning a Passivhaus project? To find out more on all of the Ecohaus Internorm range call us today on 0800 612 6519 or for more information use our contact form and we can get back to you with further information.