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Passivhaus homes

Our approach to Passivhaus design ensures superior insulation, airtight construction, and meticulous craftsmanship to help reduce energy consumption.

Passivhaus 1734 5606 Oakwrights Photo Joseph Holder b

What is Passivhaus?

Passivhaus is an ultra-energy-efficient building standard that has a < 0.6 ACH @50Pa compared to typical new builds which range from 3-5 ACH or higher. The standard utilises a fabric first approach to design, combined with high performance technologies to reduce energy consumption while maintaining an even temperature throughout the year and a healthy indoor environment.

Crafted with precision and care a Passivhaus isn't just a sustainable option it's a home that works with nature not against it. Requiring 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to conventional buildings, a Passivhaus home will have lower energy bills and will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

The Passivhaus home

Below is a diagram illustrating the core Passivhaus principles we incorporate into all our builds, including superior insulation, airtight construction, high performance windows, thermal bridge-free design, and energy efficient ventilation systems for optimal comfort and efficiency.

MVHR is required once a homes airtightness score falls below 3m³/(h·m²).

To meet Passivhaus standards, your airtightness score must be <0.6 ACH. This is achievable by pairing our WrightRoof Natural² and WrightWall Natural² panel systems with state-of-the-art-technologies like AeroBarrier and triple glazing.

Thermal bridging must be less than 0.01 W/(mK). Thanks to the rubber seals on our panel system, thermal bridging is kept to a minimum.

Solar cells are optional for Passivhaus projects, but we always recommend them to support energy efficiency.

While rainwater harvesting isn't a requirement for Passivhaus, it can help reduce energy bills in several ways, particularly by decreasing the demand for mains water, which requires energy for treatment and distribution.

While an air source or ground source heat pump isn't a requirement to achieve Passivhaus certification, they are highly recommended as industry standards and meet the new Future Homes Standard set by the Government. They also help meet the minimal heating requirement for a Passivhaus.

For Passivhaus, triple glazing is required to keep U-values less than 0.85 W/(m²K) for the windows.

It is a requirement for a Passivhaus build to be ‘thermal bridge free’. Using thermal insulation blocks within the foundation build-up helps eliminate cold bridging at the foundation level.

While this isn’t a requirement, incorporating smart home integration systems, such as Baulogic, into a build can help increase energy efficiency by automating appliances and lighting based on usage patterns.

Seamless integration of indoor / outdoor living can be designed into a home to help promote a healthy living environment.

At around 368mm thick our WrightRoof Natural² panel is packed with STEICOzell insulation at a density of 45kg/m³.

At around 308mm thick our WrightWall Natural² panel is packed with STEICOzell insulation at a density of 45kg/m³.

Capped ceilings are recommended for Passivhaus builds to prevent heat loss, maintain airtightness and improve energy efficiency.

MVHR

Airtightness

Thermal bridging

Solar PV cells and battery

Rainwater harvesting

Air source heat pump

High quality triple glazing

Passive foundations

Smart home integration

Indoor/<br>outdoor living

WrightRoof Natural²

WrightWall Natural²

Insulated capped ceilings

The benefits of Passivhaus homes

Superior comfort

Airtight construction and high levels of insulation from our WrightWall Natural² panel system will help maintain a stable, even temperature all year round within a Passivhaus.

Health & air quality

Integrating advanced ventilation systems (such as an MVHR) within your build, will provide a continuous supply of fresh, filtered air while reducing allergens and pollutants, creating a healthier home environment.