This method of house building is well utilised across Europe in countries such as Austria, Sweden and Switzerland where there are over 20,000 Passive Homes. Continental European countries are more open to explore alternate build methods that optimise thermal performance and minimise energy consumption and are reaping the benefits - with a modern built home in passive house standard, owners can save up to 90% in heating costs.

Through its design, a passive house offers a building year-round comfort and good indoor climate without the use of conventional heating or cooling systems. The heating requirement is reduced by means of passive measures to the point that there is no longer any need for a conventional heating system. Passive houses are light and bright due to large glazed areas designed to optimise solar gains, and are healthy to live in through fresh air supplied by the ventilation system.

The appearance of a passive house does not need to differ from a conventional house. It’s important to note that Passive House does not dictate the design or external appearance of the house. It is simply a method of calculating the amount of insulation, glazing, thermal mass etc, to make the best use of passive solar gain, and ensure that the resulting internal climate will always be comfortable.

At TJT, we are able to supply the product ingredients to create a Passive House ‘shell’. We are also able to offer consultancy and PHPP design services to help guide you through the Passive House approach.