3 Detailed Passivhaus building studies in the AJ
The AJ article highlights 3 Passivhaus projects in detail and raises some interesting points on the Standard.
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The article looks at many viewpoints of those involved with Passivhaus projects & the construction industry, covering aspects such as quality assurance, construction, and the impact on the wider industry.
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It’s a culture shock to go back to traditional construction after you’ve worked on a Passivhaus building Marco da Cruz, Sjölander da Cruz Architects.
Passivhaus in the UK is growing. The article says as the scale of projects increases, the approach needs to be systematised to maintain quality control. The Trust’s Chief Executive, Jon Bootland, notes critical construction stages: insulation of slab and foundations, installation of insulation and installation and commissioning of MVHR units. The Trust is developing guidance for these key stages, to be published in early 2015.
The article raises some interesting points such as addressing embodied energy and low-impact material choices within the standard as currently the onerous is on the designer, along with how effectively Passivhaus Planning Package software (PHPP) will integrate with BIM.
Passivhaus has already impacted the wider industry in profound ways; increasing awareness and understanding of issues such as solar gain, cold bridging, airtightness and ventilation systems. Another effect of the increase in projects is innovation among product manufacturers and reduced costs. As the health and wellbeing agenda takes hold, Passivhaus is likely to yield important lessons about indoor air quality.
AHMM associate director Nic Crawley points out that the Passivhaus standard is effectively open-source, with huge resources readily available to those with interest and motivation to learn.
Whether you advocate Passivhaus or not, it’s an excellent tool for promoting green design. Hattie Hartman, Sustainability Editor, AJ
Further Information:
26th September 2014
Get involved with the UK Passivhaus community
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