At Contessi Build, your trusted builder on the Sunshine Coast, we believe in the power of thoughtful design and innovation. Our mission is to create homes that are not only comfortable and efficient but also environmentally friendly. One of the most effective frameworks for achieving this is the Passive House standard.
Originating in Germany in the late 1980s, the Passive House concept is built on five core principles. These principles guide the construction of ultra-energy-efficient buildings that promote sustainable living.
1. Superior Insulation: The Key to Energy Efficiency
Superior insulation is the cornerstone of Passive House design. This insulation, significantly thicker than in conventional buildings, ensures a consistent indoor temperature year-round. With U-values as low as 0.15 W/(m²K), it minimizes heat loss in winter and reduces heat gain in summer. High-quality insulation envelops the entire structure—walls, roof, and floor—creating a robust thermal barrier.
2. Airtightness: Maximizing Energy Retention
Airtightness plays a crucial role in Passive House construction. By sealing the building envelope, we prevent unwanted air infiltration and exfiltration, which can lead to significant energy loss in traditional buildings. Through meticulous construction practices, including air barriers and advanced sealing techniques, we achieve an airtightness level of no more than 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals of pressure (ACH50). This ensures the building retains heat and maintains comfort with minimal energy input.
3. Thermal Bridge-Free Design: Continuity in Insulation
Thermal bridges are areas where heat escapes through structural elements, such as beams or window frames. In a Passive House, we design and build to eliminate or greatly reduce these thermal bridges. This is accomplished through careful planning and the use of specialized materials, such as thermal breaks and insulated window frames. By addressing thermal bridges, we maintain the building’s energy efficiency and prevent issues like condensation and mold growth, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
4. High-Performance Windows: Optimizing Natural Light and Heat
Windows are often the weakest link in a building’s thermal envelope. However, in a Passive House, we turn them into an asset. We use high-performance, triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings and insulated frames. These windows are designed to maximize solar gain in winter and minimize heat loss, while also reducing overheating in summer. This approach ensures a balanced indoor climate, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.
5. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): Fresh Air with Efficiency
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) is the final principle of Passive House design. This system provides a constant supply of fresh air while maintaining energy efficiency. The MVHR unit extracts stale air from inside and replaces it with fresh air from outside, passing both air streams through a heat exchanger. This process transfers heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air, offering ventilation without significant heat loss. MVHR systems also improve indoor air quality, making Passive Houses not only energy-efficient but also healthier places to live.
Conclusion: Building for Today and Tomorrow
At Contessi Build, we are dedicated to creating homes that embody these five principles. Our buildings are comfortable, energy-efficient, and sustainable. As your dedicated builder on the Sunshine Coast, we’re committed to bringing the Passive House standard to our local community. By embracing these principles, we’re not just building for today—we’re building for the future.
Whether you’re aiming to reduce your carbon footprint, lower your energy bills, or enjoy a more comfortable and healthy home, Passive House design offers a proven path to achieving these goals. If you’re considering a new build or a retrofit on the Sunshine Coast, let’s embark on the journey to a more sustainable future together.
