Passive Housing
Passive Housing arrives in Dumfries and Galloway
3b construction are now offering a completely different product to our competitors in Dumfries and Galloway. By adopting the principles of Passive Housing we are addressing the issue of sustainability far earlier in the build process than other construction companies.
Rising energy costs and the environmental consequences of traditional energy sources are two major challenges facing new house builders and all home owners in the 21st century. The absolute necessity of addressing these two issues has led to the development of a Passive House Standard.
Most construction companies offer active eco technology as a solution to sustainability such as ground source heat pumps, solar panels or other similar products. 3b construction has accreditation to supply and install these technologies and all have their merits but the real solution to sustainability is found much earlier in the build process.
A Passive House will reduce energy consumption
A Passive House should provide excellent thermal comfort without the need for active space heating or cooling systems.
In the UK a new house built to Passive House Standards will consume up to 77% less energy than a new house built to minimum building regulations. This figure varies slightly depending on the external environment but the saving on energy consumption is generally achieved in the following ways.
First make it Super-insulated and Airtight
To maximise the benefits of Passive House technology it is important to minimize heat loss through the building structure of your new build home.
The Super Insulated wall construction 3b provide achieves typical u-values of 0.17W/m2K, well below the minimum required by current Building Standards.
Our Timber Frame walls comprise 195mm panels that are super insulated, incorporating reflective foils and a service zone to accomodate any cable and pipe runs which avoids penetrating the sealed wall panel thus limiting air infiltration.
Advanced Window Technology – By installing triple pane insulated glazing and incorporating large windows into the design of your new home it may be possible that solar heat gain outstrips loss of heat through the windows. 3b construction use window suppliers that are leading the market in advanced window technology.
Ventilation – A mechanical heat recovery ventilation system can be installed in your new house which will ensure the quality of air and recover all heat generated within the home and redistribute it around the house. This limits the need for conventional heating as the primary source.
A passive house built by 3b construction can be likened to a thermos flask in so much as once the heat is inside the house it can be controlled and kept there. Heat and airflow is consistent around the home and the result is an energy efficient house providing an uncluttered living area and fresh clean air.