Easi Guide to Passivhaus design

This guide by architects Levitt Bernstein, endorsed by The Passivhaus Trust, graphically sets out ten simple principles that form the foundations of good Passivhaus and zero carbon design. It is based on work they undertake encouraging clients to use it to set their briefs and architects to use it when designing their buildings.

The main body of the guide emphasises key considerations at RIBA Stage 2 to allow design teams to meet Passivhaus within the contextual needs of their site, while a checklist offers the next steps if full certification is to be pursued.

Passivhaus is a standard for the design and construction of comfortable, highly energy efficient buildings with set performance targets. It is the gold standard and first step towards achieving a net zero operational carbon building. Levitt Bernstein and their partners Etude, priority is to design good housing of lasting quality for all. They view Passivhaus considerations as a design opportunity, rather than a constraint.

The guide sets out simple guidance that forms the foundations of good Passivhaus design. This will need to be combined and balanced with best practice planning of high quality homes for specific contexts.