Due to world events and general inflation, the cost of electricity and gas has soared in a very short amount of time. Thankfully, there are various home technologies and designs that can help lessen energy consumption. In this article, we’re going to look at Passivhaus homes designed for energy conservation.
Passivhaus is an energy-performance standard for homes that are recognized globally. It started in Germany in the 1990s. Passivhaus is used to certify low-energy buildings that feature highly effective insulation and airtightness.
Passivhaus-certified buildings often utilize various energy conservation methods such as solar energy recovery and solar heat gain ventilation systems. They also excel at maintaining constant temperatures which means they require less energy for heating and AC and thus avoid expensive energy bills.
Here are a few examples of home designs that meet the Passivhaus standards of energy-saving buildings.
TreeHaus, United States by Chris Price
First up we have a design by architect Chris Price. It is located in a Utah Forest, featuring a series of staggered stained cedar reinforced volumes down a hill slope. Chris made this Passivhaus home for his family to reside.
The Treehaus also features a very efficient envelope that makes sure it stays cozy and warm during the harsh winters of Utah when there is daily snowfall. The bedrock that surrounds the property also helps it stay warm during the winter.
Saltbox Passive House, Canada by L’Abri
This impressive Passivhaus residence is located in Quebec, Canada. This is the third house in Quebec to have the honorary certification of Passivhaus.
The residence was designed by L’abri, keeping in mind the standards of PHIUS throughout the whole design. PHIUS is the largest and most prestigious Passivhaus certification based in North America. The Saltbox is made using wooden sliding and features cellulose insulation that helps lower the house’s overall carbon footprint.
Day House, United Kingdom, by Paul Archer Design
This Passivhaus has a very unique design and structure. It was designed by Paul Archer Design. Their goal was to replace a poorly conditioned 1970s house in London that was leaking and had terrible insulation.
The Day House is quite discreet, it looks like a 2-story building at the front but it’s actually 4-stories tall. It is very insulated and comes with a complete heat recovery ventilation system. This helps the house retain its heat throughout the toughest winters. Ultimately, it passes the Passivhaus standards with flying colors.