Passivhaus comforts, ‘automatically’

Tyron Cosway of Loxone looks at the role building automation can play in maximising the comfort and liveability of low energy Passivhaus designs

As the demand for sustainable living solutions rises, the concept of Passivhaus design has garnered significant attention among self-builders and renovators in the UK and across Europe. Combining meticulous design standards with smart technology, ‘passive’ houses can offer unparalleled energy efficiency and comfort for self-build. 

However, the concept can rely heavily on the occupants to fully achieve the targets of low energy consumption, constant comfort temperatures, and overall performance of the building. This is where intelligent building automation is perfect for Passivhaus design as the system takes the benefits of the building concept to the next level by seamlessly integrating the whole of the home into one system, co-ordinating each element to work in the most efficient way possible – all while the owners don’t have to worry about a thing. This ensures a home is not only energy-efficient but also intelligently responsive to its occupants’ needs.

What is a PASSIVHAUS?

A Passivhaus home adheres to rigorous design standards aimed at minimising energy consumption while maintaining optimal indoor comfort. These homes utilise superior insulation, high-performance windows, and strategic ventilation to achieve exceptional energy efficiency. 

By reducing energy demand for heating and cooling, Passivhaus-designed homes contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and have vastly lower utility costs.

HOW DOES building automation help?

There can be a lot of manual intervention needed when living in a Passivhaus. For example, lowering external blinds to prevent solar radiation warming a room beyond a comfortable temperature, boosting the extraction in the kitchen when cooking, or adjusting the mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) based on CO2 levels when entertaining.

There are many technologies added to a Passivhaus that need to be controlled, and that is why opting for a holistic building automation system would enhance the inherent benefits of a passive house through intelligent and coordinated control. Self-builders pursuing Passivhaus-certified building should consider how all these technologies will need to be controlled, and how they will work together – or in the worst case how they would conflict in their operation. 

Self-builders should research for a truly intelligent system that would simply take care of all this for them. There are systems on the market that would always know where the sun is in relation to each window, factor in the temperature in each room, and then decide whether the blind on that specific window should be lowered or not. That way, you truly get the most out of the investment you’ve made in pursuing the Passivhaus standard. The result is a home that maintains ideal temperatures and air quality with minimal human intervention, further reducing energy consumption and improving overall comfort.

Energy efficiency & environmental impact

One of the primary advantages of a passive house is its low environmental impact. According to the Passivhaus Trust, a certified new passive house built today will result in significantly fewer lifetime emissions compared to conventional new builds. 

There are many self-builders out there that will adopt aspects of the standard, but perhaps not get the grading from the trust itself. Don’t let that put you off from still achieving exceptional performance of your building. By harnessing renewable energy sources like solar power and maximising their efficiency, passive houses can achieve substantial reductions in carbon footprint. 

Opting for a holistic home automation system ensures that energy from these sources is used optimally, storing excess energy in smart ways and reducing reliance on non-renewable sources. 

Enhancing health & wellbeing

Passive houses are designed with the occupant’s health and wellbeing in mind. The continuous supply of fresh air through advanced ventilation systems helps maintain excellent indoor air quality, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and other health problems. 

Moreover, the consistent indoor temperatures provided by superior insulation and smart heating systems contribute to a comfortable living environment year-round. Make sure you find a system that can interface with your heating, cooling, and MVHR so that you don’t end up with competing systems. You wouldn’t want the heating system to go into overdrive trying to reach a comfortable temperature, but it doesn’t realise that the ventilation is in boost mode to extract humid air because you’re entertaining and so naturally more people in a space increases the CO2 levels – these systems should work in harmony, not in isolation from each other. There are very few systems on the market that actively monitor all of this for you and adjust indoor conditions to maintain the perfect balance of temperature
and humidity.

Cost savings & long-term value

While the initial cost of building a passive house can be higher than traditional homes, the long-term savings are substantial. Reduced energy bills and lower maintenance costs make passive houses a wise investment. 

Respect that investment by getting a professionally installed home automation system to enhance these savings by ensuring that energy is used efficiently and only when necessary. By automating routine tasks such as adjusting blinds and controlling heating, such systems will reduce the need for manual intervention, saving both time and money for homeowners.

Case studies

Casa Sophia exemplifies the synergy between passive house principles and building automation technology. Automated shading, heating, and cooling work in harmony with the house’s passive design to provide a living environment that is both sustainable and comfortable. The result is a home that not only meets but exceeds the stringent criteria of the Passivhaus standard.

Lilu’s House is another shining example of passive house efficiency augmented with intelligent automation. This residence integrates renewable energy sources and smart automation to achieve remarkable energy efficiency. The intelligent control system adjusts heating, ventilation, and lighting according to the time of day and occupancy, ensuring that energy consumption is minimised without sacrificing comfort. 

For self-builders and renovators seeking to create sustainable, comfortable, and efficient homes, integrating building automation is a great way to do so, especially for passive houses. The solution needs to maximise energy efficiency, enhance occupant wellbeing, and provide long-term cost savings. Embrace the future of sustainable living by doing your research and your passive house build justice – and experience the ultimate in smart, eco-friendly home design.

Tyron Cosway is UK branch manager for Loxone