This “get you started” active workshop for architects and designers will explain the fundamentals of Passivhaus including the importance of good building design allied to comfort levels. The speaker will describe the Passivhaus requirements covering heating, primary energy demand, air tightness, designing and commissioning a ventilation system along with contractor statement of completion in accordance with design documents.

He will help bust all the myths that surround Passivhaus, responding to classic queries about its suitability to climate change, the need for ventilation, whether it is suited to climate change, if Passivhaus buildings must face south or not, and tell you whether you are allowed to open windows!

The speaker will describe the five steps to succeed with Passivhaus in the UK to include shape, fenestration, thermal bridge, air tightness and mechanical ventilation. He will also illustrate the things that don’t work so well, such as employing professionals without a track record or training, achieving air tightness after the construction, the use of too much glass and paying for external shading, as well as the difficulties of complex designs including dormers, inbuilt garages and bay windows.

Speaker: Mark Siddall, Warm: Low Energy Building Practice

RIBA Core Curriculum topic: Designing and building it