A Passive Solar House or ‘Passive design’ is a design approach that optimises a building’s solar exposure to maintain a comfortable indoor environment while minimising energy use. Passive solar design, or passive design, incorporates the following elements: orientation, shading, glazing, natural ventilation, thermal mass and thermal insulation.
The Passivhaus design combines thermal comfort, indoor air quality and low energy consumption. The indoor temperature varies between 21 to 25 degrees all year round, with almost no air cooling or heating system in place. Passive homes utilise five basic principles: thermal insulation, airtightness, high-performance windows/ doors, ventilation with heat recovery system, and thermal bridge reduced design.
The main difference between a passive house and a passive solar house is the ventilation and the airtightness of the building. Passive Solar Houses rely on natural ventilation, whereas Passive Houses are mechanically ventilated using either a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system or an Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) system to distribute fresh, filtered air throughout the home 24/7. Ventilating a Passive Solar House requires the active involvement of its occupants to open and close windows and doors, whereas a Passive House is self-ventilating.
There is a common myth that windows in a Passive Houses can’t be opened. This is untrue. There is no reason no to open the house up on a beautiful day. But when it is too cold or hot outside, your snug, airtight Passive House will maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without the need for a heating or cooling system. So, it’s healthy, economical and sustainable!
By combining aspects of Passive Solar design with Passive House principles, it is possible to achieve a net-zero outcome in your new build, meaning the home will produce as much clean energy as it uses annually.
