The Passivhaus Handbook: A Practical Guide to Constructing and Retrofitting Buildings for Ultra-Low Energy Performance

An essential guide for anyone wanting to realize a supremely comfortable, healthy, and durable home with exceptionally low energy costs, this book brings together current thinking and best practice in Passivhaus design. This type of design focuses on getting the building fabric right, to achieve ultralow energy consumption in the most cost-effective manner. The approach is relevant to a wide range of building types and climates. Whether you are building an extension, retrofitting your house or starting from scratch, and whether you are new to low-energy design or already have some experience, this book will help you navigate around the potential pitfalls and misconceptions. The book includes a clear explanation of the underlying building physics and terminology; detailed information on key elements of Passivhaus: avoiding air leakage, designing out thermal (cold) bridges, moisture management, and ventilation strategy. It offers practical advice on setting up a project, including developing a motivated project team, and a discussion of economic considerations and the policy context in the UK. As pressure on global resources increases and energy prices continue to rise, the Passovhaus approach, proven over 20 years, meets the challenge of ultralow-energy building for the future.

Janet Cotterell is a chartered architect with more than 20 years of experience, whose work focuses on the implementation of low-energy design principles and on collaborative teamwork. She is also a Certified Passivhaus Designer and is familiar with traditional and natural materials and sensitive settings such as conservation areas. Adam Dadeby is a Certified Passivhaus Consultant. They are directors of Passivhaus Homes Ltd.