Have you heard of passive houses?
In recent years, sustainability and energy efficiency have become two of the fundamental pillars around which the design and construction of homes revolve. In many cases, these new priorities have given rise to recent architectural trends such as passive houses, a new concept in housing that stems from the need to reduce energy consumption and live in healthier environments.
This type of building is not a passing fad, but a real revolution in energy efficiency and comfort. If you are thinking of building or renovating your home, or if you are looking for architectural studios in Mallorca that follow sustainability criteria – as is our case – it is essential to learn about this model first so that you can understand where the future of housing is heading.
What exactly is a passive house?
A passive house is a home designed to a construction standard that prioritises maximum energy efficiency and thermal comfort, while minimising dependence on conventional heating or cooling systems. The concept was born in Germany in the 1990s, promoted by the Passivhaus Institut, and has since spread throughout the world.
Unlik , passive houses do not focus on minimising conventional energy consumption, but aim to have none (or minimal) consumption. That is why passive houses are built according to scientific principles that seek to maintain a stable indoor temperature throughout the year, drastically reducing energy consumption to almost zero.
In these homes, it is not just a question of incorporating insulating materials or installing solar panels, as most of them do, but of understanding the building as an integral whole where every element—from the windows to the orientation of the building—plays a role in overall efficiency.
What characteristics must these houses have to be considered as such?
For a home to be certified as a passive house, it must meet a series of very demanding technical requirements established by the Passivhaus Institut. These include:
- High-quality thermal insulation: walls, ceilings and floors must have a continuous thermal envelope that minimises heat loss and cold ingress.
- Air tightness: the construction must be extremely airtight, preventing leaks that could compromise energy efficiency.
- High-performance windows and doors: with triple glazing and insulated frames that guarantee excellent thermal and acoustic performance.
- Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery: these must consist of a system that constantly renews the indoor air, filtering impurities and utilising the heat from the outgoing air.
- Elimination of thermal bridges: e. elimination of structural areas where heat is lost, such as joints or junctions between materials.
- Solar orientation and utilisation: the design must optimise solar gain in winter and protect against excess heat in summer.
Conclusion
Living in passive houses means enjoying a healthy, quiet and comfortable indoor environment all year round, reducing energy consumption by up to 90% compared to a conventional home. Because, as we said, these homes are not just about improving efficiency or opting for clean energy sources, but about creating a home that depends as little as possible on energy.
Although the initial investment may be slightly higher, the long-term savings, together with the durability of the materials and the environmental commitment, make it a smart and responsible choice. So, if you are attracted to the idea of living in an efficient, sustainable home designed for well-being, passive houses are undoubtedly the housing model of the future.
Furthermore, in an autonomous community such as the Balearic Islands, where the climate is never extreme at any time of the year, choosing this type of housing is a very valuable option, both for you and for the environment . In any case, at gHouse we pay close attention to these aspects, which we will specify before starting any project to guarantee the energy efficiency and sustainability that any property should have today.
