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'Passive house' reliably performs - it's pure physics
Posted on August 1, 2023 @ 5:42PM
One of the most common misunderstandings we see about our high performance architecture is that we are preoccupied with passive solar design - which is actually something we don't have any particular interest in.
It's easy to see why this confusion happens: Passive House (or Passivhaus) sounds just like passive solar, and both are associated with lower energy use in buildings. That's about where the similarities end.
Certainly, solar orientation is important in Passive House design and in architecture in general, but we don't rely on the sun to create interior spaces that are consistently comfortable.
Passive House is sophisticated, 21st century science based. Passive Solar is "1970's" low tech counterculture.
Passive House is designed with project-specific, informed physics. Passive Solar is designed mostly by intuition.
Passive House is a holistic system that addresses all issues related to comfort. Passive Solar is simply about capturing solar heat gain.
Passive House provides interior air quality of unsurpassed purity. Passive Solar does nothing to address interior air quality.
Passive House is not really 'passive' - there is always some small, efficient machinery operating. Passive Solar is not passive at all, when conditions require supplemental heating or cooling.
Passive House requires no compromise in comfort at any time. Passive Solar creates internal temperature swings that are less than ideal.
Passive House is surprisingly adaptable, and will work well on most sites. Passive Solar only works in ideal climates, on sites with great solar orientation.
Passive House is adaptable to most any architectural style, and can have nearly any appearance. Passive Solar always "looks like" a passive solar design.
Passive House delivers pre-determinable performance for known cost-benefit analysis. Passive Solar is going to mostly be unknown until well after completion and occupancy.
Passive House protects owners from future energy cost increases due to minimal energy demands. Passive Solar tempers energy use at certain times, but the backup systems typically needed cannot come close to competing with passive house efficiency.
Passive House affords a "set it and forget it" lifestyle. Set the thermostat to the desired setting. You're done. Passive Solar often requires ongoing interactions from the occupants to maintain comfort.
Author: Sam Rodell
Sam has practiced as an award winning architect for forty years, and has also built many of his clients' projects. He is licensed throughout most of the western USA and Canada, and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) which expedites registration in other states and provinces. He was the first Certified Passive House Consultant architect in eastern Washington and northern Idaho.
Author: Nate Robinson
Nate's focus on architecture as a means to improve the built environment whilst designing projects woven to their natural and cultural context aligns perfectly with the ethos of the studio. Nate participates in a variety of aspects of practice in his role as a project architect, including three dimensional modeling, energy modeling, and material research.
Author: Maren Longhurst
Maren is a licensed architect particularly interested in high performance architecture and building science. She holds a Masters in Architecture from Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and is a Certified Passive House Consultant, certified LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environment) professional, and a WELL Accredited Professional (a credential that signifies knowledge in health and wellness in the built environment and specialization in the WELL Building Standard). Maren is also on the Passive House Northwest board of directors.
