Developed in Germany in the 1990s, Passivhaus is a quality assured standard and methodology for low energy building, which can help create buildings which use around 90% less energy than standard UK buildings. Based on well researched and proven building physics, Passivhaus is based on the principle that reducing heating loss to a minimum is the most robust – and cost-effective – way of achieving a low carbon building. The Passivhaus approach to low energy building enables designers and builders to create homes and buildings that are comfortable, warm and use a fraction of the energy of conventional buildings.
Passivhaus design has been widely adopted throughout Europe and more buildings are being built to this specification within the UK. It can be used for residential dwellings as well as commercial buildings. At Syntegra Consulting we are able to offer a complete Passivhaus design and construction consultancy service drawing on a multi discipline and experienced team. Our highly qualified team is able to provide specialist advice at all stages of the development. By working as a single team with carefully selected partners, we have better control of quality and can optimise the design’s construction costs and energy performance.
A Certified Passivhaus, carefully designed and built by professionals qualified in Passivhaus design, provides many benefits namely:
- lower fuel bills and much less exposure to energy price rises
- unrivalled indoor comfort – no drafts or cold spots in winter
- cooler indoor temperatures in summer
- improved indoor air quality bringing many potential health benefits
- quieter indoor space when the triple glazed windows are closed
- better use of your available floor space – no radiators
- lower maintenance costs – less technology to go wrong
- greater building fabric durability
- variety of styles, layouts and materials that can be employed