The Passivhaus Handbook

The Passivhaus Handbook, A practical guide to constructing and retrofitting buildings for ultra-high energy performance is published tomorrow (25 October 2012). The book expands on the topics discussed in this blog.

The Passivhaus Handbook has been getting good reviews:

‘Passivhaus construction looks like becoming not just popular in the UK, but commonplace. This is a no-nonsense and engaging introduction on how to do it.’
Kevin McCloud, presenter of Channel 4′s Grand Designs

‘This book gives a wonderful overview of Passivhaus in the UK today, not only enabling interested parties to understand the principles and pitfalls for their own projects, but also for policy makers and planning officers to understand how to avoid some of their ‘own goals’ in attempting to encourage conservation.’
Peter Warm, Passivhaus Certifier, WARM Low Energy Building Practice

‘I have now recommended your book to our four individual current Passivhaus clients wanting to build a Passivhaus. Your book will save me hours and hours of having to explain the principles of what we are trying do, to first time clients on a steep PH learning curve.’
Andrew Yeats CEPH Architect, Eco Arc Architects

‘I’m delighted to see everything about Passivhaus and its application in the UK collated for the first tiime, in The Passivhaus Handbook. The first-hand experience of the authors provides an excellent grounding for the book.’
Jon Bootland, Chief Executive, Passivhaus Trust

Here is the description of the book from the Green Books website:

The Passivhaus Handbook is an essential guide for everyone wanting to realise a supremely comfortable, healthy and durable home with exceptionally low energy costs. Whether you are building an extension, retrofitting your house or starting from scratch; are new to low-energy design or already have some experience, this book will help you navigate around the potential pitfalls and misconceptions. It brings together current thinking and best practice.

Passivhaus design focuses first on getting the building fabric right, to achieve ultra-low energy consumption in the most cost-effective manner. The approach is relevant to a wide range of building types and climates, not just to special structures. Passivhaus methodology can be combined with elements of other building standards, such as the UK’s Code for Sustainable Homes, or with other goals, such as a commitment to use low-impact and natural building materials.

This book includes:

• A clear explanation of the underlying building physics.
• Detailed information on key elements: avoiding air leakiness, designing out thermal (cold) bridges, moisture management and ventilation strategy.
• Tips for creating a cooperative, motivated project team.
• Photographs and diagrams throughout.

With steeply rising energy prices, uncertain climatic changes and straitened economic times, the Passivhaus approach, proven over 20 years, offers a timely and practical response.

The Passivhaus Handbook is available from Passivhaus Store as well as from online retailers. I hope you find it useful.