The Passivhaus standard is a form of energy-efficient construction that aims to reduce energy demand and, at the same time, achieve high indoor comfort.
The five principles on which it is based are high thermal insulation, high-performance windows, ventilation system with heat recovery, elimination of thermal bridges and control of airtightness.
To achieve these outcomes, buildings require many design features which include ventilated façades. This ventilated facade, being on the outside of the structure, functions as a thermal buffer by reducing undesired heat gain during the cooling season, heat loss during the heating season and thermal discomfort due to asymmetric thermal radiation.
It also maintains the exterior wall material dry, preventing condensation from forming within the exterior wall and rainwater from infiltrating the building structure.
The passive insulation air cavity combined with a proper wall insulation system helps save energy. When it is hot outside, this buffer zone behind the cladding system allows the hot air outside to cool off, shielding the interior of the home or structure from the thermal impact.
Likewise, in colder climates or when there is cooler weather in any climate, this air space behind the cladding provides the same buffer zone to prevent the transmission of heat gain or loss which creates a more energy-efficient building.
If we compare a conventional house with a house built to the Passivhaus standard, we will see that the latter can reduce energy demand by around 80-90% compared to the former. Moreover, the energy required to air-condition the building and reach a comfortable indoor temperature can easily be covered by renewable energies.
Photos and project by SgARQ, using Frontek ST5006.
