PASSIVHAUS

Passivhaus is considered the most rigorous voluntary energy-based standard in the design and construction industry today. Consuming up to 90% less heating and cooling energy than conventional buildings, and applicable to almost any building type or design, the Passive House high-performance building standard is the only internationally recognized, proven, science-based energy standard in construction delivering this level of performance. 

Fundamental to the energy efficiency of these buildings, the following five principles are central to Passivhaus design and construction: 

1) superinsulated envelopes, 

2) airtight construction, 

3) high-performance glazing, 

4) thermal-bridge-free detailing, and 

5) heat recovery ventilation. 

All these key principles are linked to and impact each other in the design. No one principle can be neglected without having a negative impact on the rest. To effectively create a Passivhaus building, the design should be looked at holistically to incorporate all five design principles. 

The incredible year-round fresh indoor air quality and stable temperature, the substantial reduction in energy use and operating costs, and the quiet atmosphere that the Passivhaus standard delivers are directly attributable to these five principles and the way they are integrated into a Passivhaus building. By following a holistic approach with these five principles through the design and construction on any project, and working collaboratively with our clients and their contractors, we can be confident that we can achieve a truly high-performance building. 

Please contact us   for further details.

RETROFIT

As a Retrofit Coordinator certified under PAS 2035, we have a commitment to the "whole-house approach" to refurbishment and extension works. 

Retrofit standards such as Enerphit and Carbonlite offer a significant improvement on current building regulations and will help reduce heating bills and green house gas emissions.

The fabric first approach considers insulation, air-tightness, and thermal bridges before building services and renewable technology.

As Retrofit Coordinator we will produce a medium-term, whole house retrofit plan to plan for future measures in a coordinated manner, so that works carried out now do not block further improvement works in the future.

As well as improving insulation, thermal bridges should be eliminated or reduced as far as possible.  Airtightness in the building should be improved to further reduce heat losses, but with that comes the need to improve the indoor air quality and reduce the risk of mould growth through designed and controlled mechanical ventilation.

To find out more about how you can benefit from  whole house Retrofit please contact us.