Passivhaus is an up and coming, German design methodology
that creates “light and tight” buildings.
The precepts are not new, but for the first time they are combined
together to form a rigorous accounting system to acquire comparable data for
the design. The goal is to substantially
reduce heat loss through the envelope with extreme detailing, reduction of
thermal bridges and air infiltration, and much higher r-values than the current
national building code requires.
At first glance, Passivhaus might seem not very interesting,
but as I slowly become more exposed to it, I am becoming convinced this might
be the only way we should be building.
Our houses lose so much heat through so many openings and lack of insulation,
we are using a lot of fuel that we don’t need to.
Last month, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit a
Passivhaus construction site near Gimli, MB.
This is the first Passivhaus to be built in the province. It is from the architecture Firm Bridgman
Collaborative Architecture, and the design itself is largely spearheaded by an
intern, Ian Sunabaka. Ian, who not only
has degrees in architecture, but also woodworking and philosophy, has brought a
knowledgeable and introspective approach to the design. Beautifully situated, this little house feels
spacious and comfortable. Its simple
rectangular design is nestled at the edge of a large meadow that will no doubt
prove to be a source of great views.
If you know what you are looking for, you can make out the
trusses used as wall structure that will hold copious amounts cellulose insulation,
as well as the roof. A big warm space,
scientifically calibrated to provide optimum comfort. Needing barely any heat to keep warm.
Sounds good.
