NZEB provides Passive House design and consulting in Melbourne, led by a registered architect and Passive House designer. Passive House is the leading standard for very low-energy, comfortable buildings: high insulation, airtight construction, thermal-bridge-free design, quality windows, and heat recovery ventilation. Contact us to discuss your project.
Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) represent the future of sustainable construction. By utilising renewable energy sources, these buildings can offset their operational energy consumption. Read more about NZEB buildings in Europe or NZEB Buildings in Australia. The Passive House design standard is widely recognised as the gold standard for achieving NZEB. It provides exceptional thermal comfort with minimal heating and cooling requirements. This is accomplished through high levels of insulation, airtight construction, and optimised window and door design. Additionally, heat recovery ventilation systems and the elimination of thermal bridges further enhance energy performance.
Passive House is a design approach applicable to all building types. It delivers exceptional air quality and comfort. This approach uses up to 80% less energy than conventional buildings. You can find more details at the PHI’s website.
Main features of a “Classic” Passive House
1. Cooling and Heating Demand <15 kWh/m2 per year.
2. Primary Energy Demand <60 kWh/m2 per year for heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water and electricity.
3. Air tightness of 0.6 air changes/hour at 50 Pa pressure.
4. Thermal Comfort is maintained in all living areas. Temperatures range between 20 and 25 degrees. Relative humidity is 60% at 25 degrees.
Depending on the Primary Energy Demand, a Passive House can be classified as:
– Classic (<60 kWh per sq.m.), or
– Plus (<45 kWh per sq.m.) with the use of solar panels, or
– Premium (<30 kWh per sq.m.) with the use of solar panels.
How does Passive House achieve this performance?
1. Orientation of the building, exploitation of solar energy and shading elements.
2. Uninterrupted building envelope insulation.
3. Thermal bridge-free design.
4. Thermal break windows with double or triple glazing.
5. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and filtered circulation of air.
How we can help
- Early-stage design advice. Orientation, form, glazing and insulation decisions that make Passive House performance achievable without costly redesigns.
- Energy modelling. PHPP calculations to test and refine your design.
- Support towards certification. Guidance on documentation, airtightness and ventilation requirements.
- Passive House retrofits. Upgrading existing buildings for comfort and lower energy use.
Ready to discuss your project? Send your plans to info@nzeb.com.au for a no-obligation conversation.