'As we move towards the 2016 zero carbon target in house building, Passivhaus construction looks like becoming not just popular in the UK, but commonplace. This is a no-nonsense and engaging introduction on how to do it.' Kevin McCloud
The Passivhaus Handbook is an essential guide for anyone wanting to realise a supremely comfortable, healthy and durable home with exceptionally low energy costs. Passivhaus design focuses on getting the building fabric right, to achieve ultra-low energy consumption in the most cost-effective manner. The approach is relevant to a wide range of building types and climates.
Passivhaus methodology can be combined with elements of other building standards, such as the UK's Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH), or with other sustainable building goals, such as a commitment to using low-impact or natural building materials.
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. It brings together current thinking and best practice.
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. - Practical advice on setting up a project, including developing a motivated project team.
- 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 Passivhaus approach, proven over 20 years, meets the challenge of ultra-low-energy building for the future.
About the Author: Adam Dadeby and Janet Cotterell are directors of Passivhaus Homes Ltd., which has recently completed one of the very few fully Certified Passivhaus retrofits in the UK - featured in their book The Passivhaus Handbook, due out in 2012. The retrofit is also exceptional in having achieved one of the best air-tightness results in the UK. More information on Passivhaus and on Adam and Janet can be found at www.passivhaushomes.co.uk.
Janet is a chartered architect with over 20 years' experience. She is also a Certified Passivhaus Designer and holds an MSc in Architecture: Advanced Environmental & Energy Studies. Janet has a history of working in sensitive settings (conservation areas, listed buildings, historic parks) and therefore is familiar with the use of traditional and natural materials. In more recent years a growing appreciation of the importance of sustainable building practice (and a growing dissatisfaction with mainstream building practice and culture) has lead to a process of re-education and re-evaluation, culminating in a new focus on the implementation of low-energy design principles and in more collaborative teamworking.
Adam was previously employed in the NHS, then, in Berlin, in foreign language training and, back in the UK, in information technology. He is a Certified Passivhaus Consultant and member of the AECB (the Sustainable Building Association) and holds a postgraduate diploma in Architecture: Advanced Environmental & Energy Studies from the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT). Studying at CAT has been a great opportunity for Adam to consider different approaches to 'sustainability' and 'resilience' as they affect building practice.
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