We’ve most recently developed an interest in PassivHaus architecture in the context of UK rural real estate.
In particular, the practice of retrofitting historic residences with long-term energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable features, while also optimising for comfort.
The benefits?
Saving energy, saving cost and promoting enjoyment of the property.
The main features of a PassivHaus property:
- Passive Houses allow for space heating and cooling related energy savings of up to 90% compared with typical building stock and over 75% compared to average new builds. Passive Houses use less than 1.5 l of oil or 1.5 m3 of gas to heat one square meter of living space for a year – substantially less than common “low-energy” buildings. Vast energy savings have been demonstrated in warm climates where typical buildings also require active cooling.
- Passive Houses make efficient use of the sun, internal heat sources and heat recovery, rendering conventional heating systems unnecessary throughout even the coldest of winters. During warmer months, Passive Houses make use of passive cooling techniques such as strategic shading to keep comfortably cool.
- Passive Houses are praised for the high level of comfort they offer. Internal surface temperatures vary little from indoor air temperatures, even in the face of extreme outdoor temperatures. Special windows and a building envelope consisting of a highly insulated roof and floor slab as well as highly insulated exterior walls keep the desired warmth in the house – or undesirable heat out.
- A ventilation system imperceptibly supplies constant fresh air, making for superior air quality without unpleasant draughts. A highly efficient heat recovery unit allows for the heat contained in the exhaust air to be re-used.
(Source)
PassivHaus Properties Save on Average 75% kWh/m2
On our recent journeys through the UK rural real estate market pages, we discovered this property, constructed to Passiv Haus standards and hosting a MVHR (mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system)
The property agents quoted:
“…the home has been deeply retrofitted to PassivHaus EnerPHit standards, making it one of the most energy-efficient historic properties in the UK.”*
To achieve this feat, the property has been fitted with:
“…24 data points, occupancy sensors, and ducting for future EV charging or gates.”
Impressive as all this is - do you see this as being the future’s answer to a more environmentally and econmically sustainable way of life?
Or, do you see this as regression by way of tehcnological vanity?
We’d be keen to hear your take on it!
Technical reference:
Technical Information
Construction & Performance -
•98% of thermal bypass removed at reveals and junctions
•Insulation & Materials:
•Minimal use of petrochemical insulants
•Cork-insulated plaster walls
•Clay paint over lime finishes
•Triple-glazed windows
•Heating & Ventilation:
•Underfloor heating to ground floor
•Whole-house MVHR (92% heat recovery) — prevents mould, condensation, and supplies fresh warm air
•Room sealed feature log burner with insulated flue
________________________________________
Health & Environmental Design -
•Low EMFs
•Low formaldehyde materials
•No carcinogenic fire retardants on exposed joists and oak beams
•Water- and energy-saving hot water taps
•“House for life” design — long-term sustainability and comfort