We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to ancestors, country and community. We pay our respects to their Elders both past and present and to their enduring cultures.
In recent times, there has been a growing buzz surrounding the creation of energy-efficient homes. Two popular approaches in achieving this are Passive Solar and Passive House design. However, it's essential to understand that these two concepts, although sharing the term 'Passive,' are fundamentally distinct. In this blog post, we'll demystify the key differences between them.
Building an energy-efficient home involves more than just slapping on some solar panels and extra insulation. To embark on this journey, it's crucial to explore the options available and the ways in which key providers can assist you in achieving your energy efficiency goals.
The terms 'Passive Solar' and 'Passive House' (or Passivhaus, in German) often leave people puzzled. It's no surprise, as both phrases use 'Passive' in a similar context, and both relate to energy-efficient buildings in some manner. While there is a connection, Passive Solar and Passive House are not interchangeable. If we were to describe their relationship, it's more like a generational one – think of Passive House as the grandchild of Passive Solar.
Passive Solar design revolves around leveraging the sun's heat and cooling capabilities for a home, with its design hinging on its orientation concerning the sun. Its roots trace back to homes designed scientifically to maximize solar gain, achieved by positioning large amounts of glass toward the North (Southern hemisphere) to capture the sun's warmth, in addition to employing thermal mass and enhanced insulation.
This is a meticulously calculated method of crafting a low-energy home. A correctly designed and constructed Passive House offers the certainty of expected performance. The Passive House design software (PHPP) can model building performance that closely aligns with actual, measured values.
The research that laid the foundation for the Passive House standard originated in Darmstadt, Germany, in the late 1980s, with the first true Passive Houses constructed in 1990. The Passive House concept builds upon extensive scientific research spanning over a century, aiming to create buildings that offer occupants a comfortable, year-round environment while consuming minimal energy for heating and cooling.
In contrast to Passive Solar buildings, a Passive House considers the sun just one source of heating. Heat is also harnessed from internal appliances (such as TVs, refrigerators, and hot water systems), and even warmth from stale air is recovered.
While a Passive Solar design approach can certainly deliver comfortable homes when executed correctly, Passive House design offers guaranteed results in the realm of energy efficiency. It's a systematic and data-driven approach that ensures your home will meet its energy performance expectations, regardless of external factors. When it comes to achieving your energy efficiency goals, understanding the distinctions between these two approaches is the first step in making an informed decision.
Contact us to find out how TERRA! can bring your vision to life. We are Passivhaus Certified and passionate about sustainable architecture. We accept expressions of interest in Melbourne and around Australia.