FAQ

What is a Passive House?
"Passive House is a fabric - first approach to achieving healthy and comfortable buildings. A clearly defined standard and a quality management system that produces buildings that deliver on all aspects of occupant well-being while consuming very little energy. There is no longer a need to burn fossil fuels to power the spaces where we live, work and play!" - Definition courtesy of, Passive House Institute NZ.

Since passive houses are airtight, how do they breathe?
Every certified passive house has a fully ducted heat recovery ventilation system that continuously removes stale air and replaces it with filtered outside air with heat recovery efficiency in excess of 80%.

But I like to open my windows and doors...
In summer, you treat the house just as you would any other home by having windows/doors open as you wish.  In winter, this is not necessary as the ventilation system continuously exchanges the entire volume of air every 3-4 hours.

Do I need Solar Panels?
No, you do not need to have Solar Panels.  However, renewable energy generation can contribute to Certified Passive 'Plus' or 'Premium' certification status.

So, is there no fireplace?
These homes are so efficient at keeping the heat in, that you only need a small heat source that is seldom used.

Do I need to use SIPS Panels?
SIPS Panels do offer greater insulation at a lesser thickness, however, standard timber wall framing with batt insulation is generally a more economical method of construction and has been used successfully on many certified passive projects.