In an increasingly environmentally conscious world, the construction of buildings that minimize their impact on the environment becomes a priority. In this context, the Passivhaus standard emerges as an innovative and energy-efficient solution. What exactly is Passivhaus and how is it revolutionizing the real estate sector? Let’s explore.
What is Passivhaus?
The concept of Passivhaus, or passive house in English, originated in Germany in the late 1980s. It is based on design and construction principles that aim to minimize the energy consumption of buildings while ensuring a high level of comfort for their occupants.
Passivhaus homes are characterized by being highly energy-efficient, meaning they require minimal energy for heating and cooling. These houses are designed to maintain a constant temperature inside throughout the year, without relying heavily on conventional heating or cooling systems.
Principles of Passivhaus:
- Superior insulation: Passivhaus homes are highly insulated, with excellent thermal insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors. This significantly reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
- Airtightness: Special attention is paid to the airtightness of the building envelope, minimizing unwanted air leaks. This ensures precise control over indoor ventilation, avoiding unnecessary energy losses.
- Controlled ventilation: Passivhaus homes feature a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. This system constantly refreshes indoor air, removing moisture and pollutants while recovering heat from the outgoing air to preheat incoming air.
- High-quality windows: High-performance windows and doors are used, with double or triple glazing and highly insulating frames, minimizing heat loss and reducing exterior noise.
- Passive orientation and design: Natural sunlight and energy are maximized to reduce the need for artificial lighting and heating. The design of the home adapts to solar orientation, incorporating elements such as overhangs and blinds to control solar gain according to the season.
Benefits of Passivhaus Homes:
- Energy savings: Passivhaus homes can reduce heating and cooling energy consumption by up to 90% compared to conventional buildings, resulting in significant long-term cost savings.
- Indoor comfort: High energy efficiency and precise temperature and ventilation control ensure a comfortable and healthy indoor environment year-round, without cold drafts or hot spots.
- Sustainability: By drastically reducing their carbon footprint, Passivhaus homes contribute to mitigating climate change and preserving the environment.
- Added value: Passivhaus certification adds value to properties, guaranteeing a superior standard of energy efficiency and comfort.
In summary, Passivhaus homes represent the future of sustainable construction, offering a blueprint for buildings that are both environmentally friendly and comfortable for their inhabitants. At Living Sitges, we are committed to promoting these innovative homes that set the standard in the 21st-century real estate sector. If you’re interested in learning more about the opportunities offered by Passivhaus homes, don’t hesitate to contact us.