Passivhaus concept

Learn the basics of the Passive House

Passivhaus concept

Learn the basics of the Passive House

PassivHaus

Developed in Germany, the concept of passive housing is based on various methods and technologies to reduce the heating and cooling consumption of a building. Based on the principles of using very high quality materials and unique avant-garde systems to achieve complete insulation and maximum waterproofing, this type of construction promises unparalleled comfort to its occupants while reducing costs related to energy consumption. NZP Fenestration and its experienced team are constantly working to expand their knowledge and suggest emerging technologies that not only respect the environment, but save you money.

THE Passive House in figures…

Passive houses stand out for their energy efficiency, reducing consumption for heating and cooling by 90% compared to conventional constructions.
This performance is made possible by reinforced insulation, high-performance windows and a heat recovery ventilation system.
Although the initial cost of construction is slightly higher ( 5-15%), the savings on energy bills allow for a quick return on investment.
In addition to their financial benefits, passive houses offer stable thermal comfort all year round and improved indoor air quality, while significantly reducing CO2 emissions, thus contributing to the protection of the environment

%

energy savings

Stable indoor temperature year-round

%

Less CO2 emissions

The importance of windows

Windows play a central role in the energy performance of passive houses, as they influence both thermal comfort and energy consumption.
In a passive house, the windows are not simple openings to the outside, but real elements of thermal insulation.
They must allow for optimal light transmission while minimizing heat loss in winter and excessive heat input in summer.
NZP windows are Passivhaus Cold certified, which means they meet stringent energy performance requirements even in cold climates, such as Canada.
With exceptional insulation and well-balanced light transmission, these windows help maximize indoor comfort while reducing energy consumption.
They thus guarantee better airtightness and energy efficiency adapted to the most demanding standards of passive houses.

The importance of windows

Windows play a central role in the energy performance of passive houses, as they influence both thermal comfort and energy consumption.
In a passive house, the windows are not simple openings to the outside, but real elements of thermal insulation.
They must allow for optimal light transmission while minimizing heat loss in winter and excessive heat input in summer.
NZP windows are Passivhaus Cold certified, which means they meet stringent energy performance requirements even in cold climates, such as Canada.
With exceptional insulation and well-balanced light transmission, these windows help maximize indoor comfort while reducing energy consumption.
They thus guarantee better airtightness and energy efficiency adapted to the most demanding standards of passive houses.

testimony of a Passivhaus expert

“It is also good to remember that the additional cost will be more than offset by the advantages of construction according to the Passivhaus standard. In the end, you will have a more comfortable and healthier home, with better air quality and less risk of humidity and mold.”

– HEM Architects

 

EFFECTIVE RESISTANCE

The Importance of Windows

  The following demonstration allows you to visualize the concept of the effective resistance of a wall composed of 30% windows. The goal is to see the ratio between insulating your wall more or insulating the windows more on the total performance.  

To believe that adding insulation to the walls will compensate for the loss of windows is false. It is theoretically impossible to achieve the same effective resistance as Scenario 4 with a standard window. Walls would have to have a thermal resistance of R10000 to only reach R15 effective. It must be admitted that even if the strength of the wall is increased without affecting the thermal bridge, the impact on the effective strength is small. It is therefore always more advantageous to work on the weak elements to obtain a high-performance envelope. Scenario 7 isn’t legal since we can’t have a wall of R 10.9. Yet, scenario 1 is the most common on the market and both have the same effective R. This leads to questioning …

Realization

VERMONT

UNITED STATES

For this pioneering project in Vermont, USA, the client, an energy efficiency professional, placed crucial importance on the performance of the materials used. That’s why it was essential for him to opt for our passivcanada windows. With this in mind, he chose an NHP steel entrance door, a model that combines energy efficiency and aesthetics. This high-performance steel door provides optimal insulation without sacrificing the sturdy, sleek appearance of traditional steel. This installation marks a first in North America for this type of door, positioning the project at the forefront of sustainable construction innovation.

Let’s start making your projects a reality!

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