Ventilation Design for a Passive House

‍

As Australian homes become increasingly insulated and airtight, more and more professionals are referencing the design and construction principles behind Passive Houses to ensure their builds perform just as predictably to promote occupant comfort.

So, what is a Passive House? It refers to a home that is built to rigorous energy efficient design standards so that they maintain a constant temperature. This is highly desirable and important because:

1. There is no need for additional heating or cooling - and occupants get to enjoy a more comfortable living environment throughout the year.
2. Building materials avoid the expansion and contraction from temperature fluctuations which can lead to cracks and damage over time.
3. Humidity is more easily managed – no more condensation issues leading to mould growth and indoor air quality issues that can cause discomfort or impair health.

Air quality and energy efficiency are perennial challenges in a Passive House because it is designed fundamentally to be airtight. To ensure the energy efficient circulation of fresh, filtered air indoors - every component in the ventilation design needs to work together, including:

1. The Balanced Ventilation System that supplies and exhausts air at an equal rate. This helps to keep fresh, healthy air circulating indoors energy-efficiently.
2. The Heat Recovery Ventilation System that exchanges heat between the outgoing stale air and incoming fresh air, so that heat energy is not lost to the outside environment.
3. The Insulation & Ductwork that’s designed to minimize air leakage and ensure that insulated air is properly distribution throughout the house.
4. The Cold Plasma Filters that ionize and ensure that all incoming air is free from allergens and pathogens; and
5. The Air Quality Monitors that ensure the ventilation system is functioning consistently as designed.

A qualified HVAC professional with experience in passive house design should always be consulted to ensure that the ventilation system is properly designed and installed to ensure a healthy and comfortable indoor environment while minimizing energy use.

Have your own Passive House or energy rated project to discuss?

Reach out to a Schweigen Product Expert at 1300 881 693 / sales@schweigen.com.au for a free consult today.

‍

Inspired Installations

Winner of multiple awards by Master Builders for Excellence in Energy Efficiency and Waterwise Homes, this Manning residence by Nulook Homes has achieved an astounding rating of 8.8 stars - almost unheard of especially for a two-story residential building  here in Australia.

‍

The Charred Timber House by Rob Henry Architects in Ainslie, Canberra exhibits a solar passive design that delivers brilliant light and cross ventilation indoors across multiple levels. Fully wrapped and insulated, this beautiful home blends practical solutions with designed elegance. 

‍

Ivy Huang’s Bonny House is a charming showcase of how the period home renovator breathes new life into old spaces with considered touches of technology. In this video, she explains how she tackles ventilation energy-efficiently with Schweigen appliances.