Building A Passive House
Energy efficient housing, also know as passive housing (passivhus) is growing in popularity, both in Sweden and internationally. According to Wikipedia there are some 15-20 000 houses around the world, the majority being in German-speaking countries and Scandinavia.
Passive housing is designed to use ultra low energy and international standards outline that energy consumption cannot exceed 15 kWh per square metre and year. The Swedish definition of passive housing is tougher again and the total effect may not exceed more than 10 kWh per square metre for apartment buildings and 12 kWh per square metre in detached or semi-detached houses. Northern climates may add a maximum of 4 kWh.
The year of the financial crisis, that is to say 2008, saw a doubling of the number of passive houses/buildings built (to 400), 900 are will be built in 2009 and by the end of 2011 it is anticipated that more than 2000 apartments will have been built in passive apartment buildings. Without doubt the growth in popularity comes from the desire to actively solve climate issues and change our way of doing things. Housing currently uses 40% of our energy consumption which means passive housing could have quite an impact on total energy consumption.
The concept comes from Germany and includes thick and well-insulated walls, a so-called climate shell that reduces heat loss. Sunlight also helps heat the house, assisted by the mechanised ventilation system. Neither radiators not floor-heating is required while warmth from household appliances, body heat and light heating of the air all help to achieve a comfortable temperature.
The majority of the investment so far has been made by public corporations and Feby, the Forum for Energy Efficient Building believe it is because they manage the property themselves and the higher investment brings a return on the investment due to lower long term energy costs.
There has however been an increase in interest from the construction giants JM, Skanska and Veidekke and several have gone so far as to make central decisions to only build passive housing in the future.
Villa Granbäck
One of the most well-known projects is Villa Granbäck, built by Linda Wester and Andreas Granbäck in Vallentuna, a northern suburb of Stockholm. Villa Granbäck is more than a passive house, much focus has been put on reducing the total energy consumption with the help of solar panels and other smart technical solutions.
One of the most well-known projects is Villa Granbäck, built by Linda Wester and Andreas Granbäck in Vallentuna, a northern suburb of Stockholm. Villa Granbäck is more than a passive house, much focus has been put on reducing the total energy consumption with the help of solar panels and other smart technical solutions.
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Total energy consumption is estimated to be 750 kWh including warm water and household electricity. Their advice to others interested in building a passive house is to ensure that the house manufacturer is accredited by Passivecentrum. While there is currently only one manufacturer, Värsåsvillan, they are sure there will soon be more options available.
The interest in Villa Granbäck has been endless, extending well beyond national borders.
Examples of other passive housing
SvD 11 April 2009
Fler vill bygga energisnålt
Fler vill bygga energisnålt
The Passive House Center
Passivhuscentrum is a resource not only for politicians, urban planners, builders and consultants but also for consumers who want to know more about energy efficient homes and construction of passive houses. They have a fantastic amount of information on their site both in Swedish and English.