In recent years, the concept of sustainability has gained prominence in the construction sector. Among the most prominent trends are passive houses, also known as ‘Passive Houses’.
Passive Houses not only offer comfort and efficiency, but also represent an innovative solution to reduce environmental impact. But what exactly are passive houses and what makes them so special? We explain it to you below.
What is a passive house?
A passive house is a house designed and built according to principles of energy efficiency, thermal comfort and sustainability. The main objective is to minimise energy consumption for heating, cooling and ventilation, while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. This type of building is based on the Passive House standard, developed in Germany in the 1990s.
Passive Houses make maximum use of natural resources, such as solar energy, to reduce dependence on conventional air conditioning systems. They are also designed to be airtight and ensure excellent indoor air quality.
Main characteristics of a passive house
Passive houses have a number of features that differentiate them from traditional buildings:
1. High-quality thermal insulation: One of the key features of passive houses is insulation. Highly efficient materials are used to minimise heat loss in winter and prevent excess heat in summer. This applies to walls, ceilings and floors as well as windows and doors.
2. Thermal bridges eliminated: Thermal bridges are areas in the building where heat can escape more easily. In Passive Houses, they are eliminated or reduced as much as possible through careful design and appropriate materials.
3. High-performance windows: Windows in a Passive House are triple-glazed and have insulated frames. This allows natural light to enter the house while minimising heat loss.
4. Air tightness: A passive house is designed to be completely airtight. This means that there is no unwanted air leakage, which helps maintain a constant indoor temperature and reduces energy consumption.
Advantages of passive houses
Opting for a passive house has numerous benefits:
1. Economic savings: Although the initial investment may be higher, the savings on energy bills in the long term compensate for this expense.
2. Thermal comfort: Indoor temperatures remain stable throughout the year.
3. Sustainability: They significantly reduce carbon footprint and environmental impact.
4. Health and well-being: Indoor air quality is improved thanks to ventilation systems.
Why choose a prefabricated passive house?
Prefabricated houses and passive houses form an ideal combination. Modular construction allows precise control of materials and design, ensuring that energy efficiency standards are met. In addition, construction time is significantly reduced, making them a fast, economical and sustainable option.
If you are looking for a home that combines innovation, sustainability and comfort, a prefabricated passive house could be the perfect choice. Learn more about our design options and start building the home of your dreams!