Passive House – what it is, how it can result in better homes, what it means for the environment and what Integra offers for passive homes

5 Key Design Principles of a Passive House

1. Building Airtightness

Passive Houses are known for their meticulous focus on creating airtight building envelopes. This involves minimizing gaps and cracks to reduce drafts and allow for precise control over the indoor environment. Eliminating drafts ensures superior thermal comfort. At Integra, we provide specifically chosen products that adhere to the Passive House building airtightness principles, offering excellent thermal insulation.

2. Thermal Insulation

Outstanding insulation acts as a barrier between the interior climate and external elements. This minimizes radiant heat gain in summer, enhancing comfort while also reducing condensation by minimizing cold surfaces, thus mitigating the risk of dampness and mold. At Integra, we ensure superior insulation and stability by adhering window sashes to the pane, eliminating the need for steel reinforcement and enhancing thermal comfort.

3. High-Performance Windows

Windows should boast superior insulation levels, favoring low-emissivity double or triple glazing with thermally broken or non-metal frames. Window size should align with the building envelope to regulate solar radiation in all seasons. Windows should feature rubber seals for airtightness, while frames should incorporate a thermal break or be constructed from non-conductive materials like uPVC.

Integra Windows, engineered in Germany and manufactured in Australia, excel in thermal performance and energy efficiency.

The uPVC utilized offers high thermal insulation properties, while IGUs (insulated glass units) use standard Low-E glazing with argon gas. Our frames incorporate various fusion-welded air chambers, providing a superior seal that enhances insulation, while dual TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) seals further elevate thermal performance.

The gap between the two panes in our windows serves as a primary source of insulation, slowing down thermal transfer by conduction and reducing heat loss in winter while minimizing heat gain in summer.

Please contact our experienced team with your plans and layouts, and we will provide you with a professional consultation on choosing the right products for your upcoming Passive House project.

4. Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR)

Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MVHR) systems efficiently recover heated and cooled air that would otherwise go to waste, while also filtering incoming air. This results in cleaner air and a reduced risk of condensation, all without the need to open windows. MVHR systems bring in fresh outdoor air while retaining indoor heat, continuously removing unwanted moisture and pollutants to provide improved filtered air.

5. Thermal Bridge-Free Construction

Thermal bridges are areas that increase heat consumption and condensation risk. Effective insulation requires a continuous, adequate layer. Minimizing interruptions to insulation is key. When penetrations or cut-throughs are necessary, materials with lower conductivity, such as timber, or thermal breaks can be utilized to separate two conductive materials, like metal. While wall wrapping is a commonly used insulation method, proper wrapping, sealing, and integration around joints, joins, and windows are imperative for effectiveness.

Reach out to our knowledgeable team now, and we will offer expert advice on selecting the best products for your project.