PassivHaus performance standards produce a building with an expected thermal standard of 20-25c year round with minimal heating and cooling.
This is a special kind of thermal magic in a climate that ranges from -10c to 40c and provides a level of thermal comfort that is well above the Australian building code.
Rather than a list of build materials, PassivHaus is a performance standard based on principles of airtightness, elimination of thermal bridges (these are the weak spots in your home that let all the heat or cool air out), appropriate window and door design, ventilation systems and insulation.
As we are undertaking the works ourselves there is no doubt that building in this meticulous way is a long play. Not only is there a noticeably increased build time and cost of specialist materials, but there is the introduction of PassivHaus standards to traditional trades and the advocacy of these extra steps.
And yet we are in no doubt as to the value of these upfront efforts leading to long term results. Not only will we have a more energy efficient home, but also reduced dirt, mould and noise pollution and the resulting increased health of those who live here.
Here are the steps we have completed so far for Pavilion A
One of the early steps for our home design was thermal modelling. In particular we wanted a comfortable home in the winter without the need for heating.
Modelling allowed us to explore our aspect and location with different combinations of building materials to optimise the design and construction of the building.
The main surprise from the report was that our winter needs were easily met, but we had accidentally designed a summer microwave. The solution was window shading and much greater insulation to keep the cool in and the heat out.
These are 350mm thick, compressed strawbale walls that breathe and provide excellent insulation.
Read all about the details of our strawbale walls
An exposed slab edge can be responsible for up to 80% of a home’s heat loss in winter—and heat gain in summer.
We’ve insulated the slab edge with 40mm XPS foam insulation, followed by a render over the top to protect it from the elements.
Read about our concrete timeline
Pro Clima are building envelope specialists with a system of high-performance membrane wraps and tapes to create a weathertight and airtight building.
With every staple, bolt or conduit penetration through the membrane requiring sealing up, this has been one of the most time consuming stages of the build so far.
We have recently completed the exterior wrapping (roof and walls) on Pavilion A – with interior wraps to come once windows are installed.
In Australian homes, up to 87 per cent of heat gain in summer and 40 per cent of heat loss in winter is through the windows.
Designed with a tightly sealed fit, our windows are either fixed or tilt-and-turns which allow the window to open from the side or the top (depending on required air flow).
Here are the remaining steps for Pavilion A
• Insulated service cavity
• Ceiling insulation
• Pro Clima internal membrane wrap
• Insulated foam flooring on top of slab
• Heat recovery ventilation system
