Cardiff Passiv Haus

The term PassivHaus is used to describe a standard of building where the building is so well insulated and airtight that there is no longer need for a conventional heating system.

RDE now has the Passiv Haus Planning Package and we have been trained in its use by the AECB. If you are looking to see how your building design compares to the Passiv Haus standard please contact us for a quote .

"The term 'PassivHaus ' refers to a specific construction standard for buildings rather than a construction method.

A dwelling which achieves the PassivHaus standard typically includes:

• very good levels of insulation with minimal thermal bridges
• well thought out utilisation of solar and internal gains
• excellent level of airtightness
• good indoor air quality, provided by a whole house mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery
  

By specifying these features the design heat load is limited to the load that can be transported by the minimum required ventilation air. Thus, a PassivHaus does not need a traditional heating system or active cooling to be comfortable to live in - the small heating demand can be typically met using a compact services unit which intergrates heating, hot water and ventilation in one unit (although there are a variety of alternative solutions).

For Europe (40^o - 60^o Northern latitudes), a dwelling is deemed to satisfy the PassivHaus criteria if:

• the total energy demand for space heating and cooling is less than 15 kWh/m²/yr treated floor area;
• the total primary energy use for all appliances, domestic hot water and space heating and cooling is less than 120 kWh/m²/yr

PassivHaus dwellings typically achieve an energy saving of 90% compared to existing housing."*

* PassivhausUK

The building of the first Passiv Haus in Cardiff is therefore a major step forward in the adoption of these standards and thankfully we are able to bring you this development as it progresses. For this we must thank the owner and the builder for their unrivalled co-operation in wishing to share the experience and hence encourage others to take up the challenge (and also to learn from their hiccups along the way).

So buckle up and look forward to a great adventure that is happening on your doorstep!