Modern passive house designs are becoming increasingly popular for contemporary homes due to their energy efficiency. By utilizing natural ventilation, natural light, and high insulation values, passive houses boast up to 90% less energy consumption compared to traditional homes. Although the home designs vary greatly, they all share the same basic principles which include airtightness, energy efficiency, and healthy living. In this article, we'll take a look at 50 different ideas and examples of modern passive house designs that could be your next home.Modern Passive House Designs: 50 Ideas and Examples
The layout of a passive house is incredibly important as it plays a pivotal role in the overall efficiency of the home. Floor plans and elevations should all be planned out carefully, with smart ventilation, natural light, and insulation in mind. Among the most common layout designs for passive homes are open floor plans, which allow for easier circulation of air as well as the addition of larger windows for natural light.Passive House Layout
When it comes to modern passive house designs, natural light is an essential component. Plentiful windows and glazing should be used to ensure adequate light levels throughout the home. Skylights can also be installed in areas such as hallways or rooms which don't have enough window space. Natural light has plenty of benefits including better general well-being, improved visibility, and increased energy savings due to the reduction in the need for artificial lighting.Modern Passive House Design with Natural Light
Drift House, Passive House in Sweden, Blow House, N.Guston House, The Inner House, Runningwater Residence, and other ultra-modern Passive Houses are examples that show just how creative the world of Passive Home Design has become. Each of these unique homes have their own special features, from spectacular cantilevered balconies to opulent interior designs, proving that you don't have to sacrifice on luxury to reap the benefits of a passive home.10 Ultra-Modern Passive Houses You Need To See
Achieving a successful passive house requires planning, knowledge, and careful consideration of a variety of principles and guidelines. The 18 building blocks for passive house designs are: airtightness, insulation, ventilation, thermal bridge free detailing, green roofs, efficient windows and doors, ventilation heat recovery, various hybrid systems, radiant cooling, greywater recycling, heat recovery systems, solar PV systems, high-quality construction, ventilation mechanical systems, natural cooling, non-toxic building materials, zero net energy buildings, and electrical resistance.18 Building Blocks for Passive House Design
Canada is fast becoming a leader in the passive house movement, with the Toronto-based Passive House Institute being at the helm. The extremely economical modern Passive House design in Toronto is one example of how efficient building can really be. The six-story building features highly insulated walls, triple-paned windows and efficient mechanical systems, and is estimated to use up to 90% less energy than a typical building of the same size.Extremely Economical: Modern Passive House in Toronto
Also sometimes referred to as 'Passivhaus Plus', modern Passive House designs with solar gains incorporate large windows, south-facing orientation, and reflective surfaces so that free energy from the sun can be captured and used within the home in heating or cooling applications. This form of renewable energy helps to reduce the load on the traditional energy grid, resulting in lower energy bills and greater efficiency.Modern Passive House Design with Solar Gains
Sweden is one of the leaders in the Passive House movement, and the country is home to some of the most impressive and innovative Passive House designs. The conveyor belt house in Gothenburg is one example. This modern passive design combines several Passive House elements such as high-spec insulation, airtightness and ventilation systems, along with Scandinavian architecture to create a beautiful and affordable energy- efficient dwelling.Modern Passive House Design in Sweden
Passive Houses are popping up all over the globe, from humble abodes in minuscule European towns to multi-million dollar homes in the world's glamour capitals. Below is a selection of the 30 most impressive and attractive modern passive house examples from around the world. From the award-winning Niemeyer House located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to the exquisite timber frame house located in Melbourne, Australia, there is no shortage of innovative and inspiring designs in the world of passive house.30 Modern Passive House Examples from Around the World
The world of modern passive house design can be a bit of a complicated one; with plenty of building regulations to consider and a variety of features to understand. As such, it's important that you make sure you are fully aware of what you are dealing with before embarking on the build. To help you out, here are the top 10 questions commonly asked by people planning to build a passive house, and their answers.Top 10 Passive House FAQ: A Guide for Modern Design
Building a modern Passive House can seem complicated, but it doesn't have to be. This step-by-step guide aims to make the build process as simple and stress-free as possible. From choosing the best insulation for your home and crafting a budget, to selecting the right windows and doors and employing the latest airtightness systems, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to create your own energy-efficient modern Passive House.Modern Passive House Design, Step-by-Step Guide