This half-day session introduces the principles behind the Passivhaus standard (thermal comfort!) and the differences from normal construction so that everyone on the design team can understand the process. At the pre-planning stage, the focus is mostly on how the choice of massing/shape and glazing/fenestration can make significant differences to how easily the design can meet the Passivhaus target. Post planning permission, particularly at detailed design stage, the emphasis shifts to ensuring that the actual construction is as close to the theoretical thermal performance as possible. In the UK, this gap between theory and practice has become known as the…

How do I build a Passivhaus? How is it different from normal construction? This half-day session answers these questions, along with some specific guidance on achieving the level of airtightness and thermal bridge-free construction required by the standard. Airtightness, convective bypass and thermal bridging are discussed in relation to common constructions. Insulation materials are shown and their properties discussed, singling out those that are effective in damp and load bearing situations. Suitable airtightness materials are discussed and shown, and the necessity of an airtightness strategy discussed. The session stresses the preferred option of designing out thermal bridges rather than using…

What building services are necessary for a Passivhaus? This half-day session explores the different services required in true low energy buildings. In these buildings, the heat requirement is usually smaller than the other loads such as hot water. One of the reasons for this, other than the fabric first approach, is the adoption of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems. These mechanical ventilation systems need to be integrated into the building for successful operation, and we look at the necessary components, how they should best be installed, their space requirements, and where the supply and extract ducts need to…

This session has been developed due to demand from participants for feedback on their own designs from experienced Passivhaus designers and certifiers. Modelled on the architectural “crit.” session, where designs are presented and discussions follow about the critical design decisions made, this format has turned out to be effective in engaging all of the design team. During this session, a number of schemes will be shown and discussions followed based on achieving Passivhaus certification. If you would like your design to be included, you will need to contact the trainers beforehand to arrange for your plans to be adapted for…

How do I build a Passivhaus? How is it different from normal construction? This half-day session answers these questions, along with some specific guidance on achieving the level of airtightness and thermal bridge-free construction required by the standard. Airtightness, convective bypass and thermal bridging are discussed in relation to common constructions. Insulation materials are shown and their properties discussed, singling out those that are effective in damp and load bearing situations. Suitable airtightness materials are discussed and shown, and the necessity of an airtightness strategy discussed. The session stresses the preferred option of designing out thermal bridges rather than using…

What building services are necessary for a Passivhaus? This half-day session explores the different services required in true low energy buildings. In these buildings, the heat requirement is usually smaller than the other loads such as hot water. One of the reasons for this, other than the fabric first approach, is the adoption of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems. These mechanical ventilation systems need to be integrated into the building for successful operation, and we look at the necessary components, how they should best be installed, their space requirements, and where the supply and extract ducts need to…

This session has been developed due to demand from participants for feedback on their own designs from experienced Passivhaus designers and certifiers. Modelled on the architectural “crit.” session, where designs are presented and discussions follow about the critical design decisions made, this format has turned out to be effective in engaging all of the design team. During this session, a number of schemes will be shown and discussions followed based on achieving Passivhaus certification. If you would like your design to be included, you will need to contact the trainers beforehand to arrange for your plans to be adapted for…