Insulation

Effective insulation minimises heat transfer through a building’s exterior, improves thermal comfort and reduces the risk of condensation.

Passivhaus buildings also minimise penetrations through insulation, such as studs or steel reinforcement. These “thermal bridges” increase heat transfer through the envelope, even with good insulation.

At ECHO, one way we will achieve this is with continuous insulation using products like Durra Panel. This is a versatile and sustainable wall and ceiling panel made entirely from compressed straw. It is manufactured locally in Bendigo and has excellent fire rating, structural, thermal and acoustic properties.

Windows

As good as any insulation is, the fact remains we need penetrations in our walls for windows and doors, and these need to be treated carefully.

The sizes, quantities, orientation, glass and frames are carefully selected to meet Passivhaus criteria while also serving aesthetic and daylighting architectural needs. Comprehensive energy simulation is conducted and checked through this process.

ECHO will incorporate triple-glazed tilt-turn windows and sliding doors from reputable manufacturers in Europe and locally that meet our stringent specifications.

Air Sealing

Air sealing is one of the most significant elements and challenges of Passivhaus, and one that demands rigorous testing and quality control.

That’s because controlling your air flow is key to managing heating and cooling costs. The airtightness of a building is tested multiple times during construction using blower door testing. While typical Australian houses experience 10 air changes per hour (ach), the Passivhaus criteria limits the maximum air change rate to 0.6ach.

C.Street Projects has collaborated with construction and design experts to develop efficient solutions to achieve the Passivhaus standard’s stringent requirements for air sealing.

Ventilation

How can we make sure a house with a tight air seal stays comfortable?

Passivhaus uses a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV). ECHO uses Zehnder HRVs, a Swiss company that manufactures Passivhaus certified units that continuously bring in fresh filtered air and exhaust stale air.

The fresh supply air is conditioned with the energy from the outgoing exhaust and delivered throughout all habitable areas, 24 hours a day. This works equally well in summer and winter. Unlike an open window, the occupant has complete control of the incoming air at all times, without noise or security concerns.

Your home will still have a split system, but it won’t be needed as much to heat or cool indoor spaces because of Passivhaus principles.