Understanding Passivhaus: A Simple Guide to Passivhaus Detailing and Design

Understanding Passivhaus is a simple guide to the Passivhaus standard. The book explains the principles behind Passivhaus thinking, and explores numerous construction methods for achieving the Passivhaus standard.

What is Passivhaus?

• Why design a Passivhaus?
• PHPP
• Certification

Principles of Passivhaus Design

• Technical requirements
• Building fabric
• Form factor
• Insulation
• Thermal bridge
• Airtightness and air leakage
• Building services and ventilation
• Windows
• Solar design
• Shading
• Summer ventilation
• Roof lights

Types of Construction

• Masonry construction
• Timber frame
• Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS)
• Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF)
• Mixed methods of construction

Construction Details

• Solid concrete with rendered external insulation
• Insulated concrete formwork
• Solid masonry with larsen trusses
• Masonry cavity wall
• Timber frame with larsen trusses
• Timber I joist frame
• SIPS construction
• Timber frame with external render

Case Studies

A selection of wonderful examples of Passivhaus designs and construction methods, with more case studies added for this second edition.