Passive houses refer to highly energy-efficient buildings that meet requirements laid out by the Passive House Institute (PHI). With its origins in Germany during the 90's, the passive house movement has become an influential benchmark for energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint. Passive houses are significantly less reliant on regular heating and cooling systems. Buildings with passive house design are rather secure constructions, remaining cool in summer and warm in winter, capable of saving up to 90% on regular energy usage.
What is a passive house?
Passive houses refer to highly energy-efficient buildings that meet requirements laid out by the Passive House Institute (PHI). With its origins in Germany during the 90's, the passive house movement has become an influential benchmark for energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint. Passive houses are significantly less reliant on regular heating and cooling systems. Buildings with passive house design are rather secure constructions, remaining cool in summer and warm in winter, capable of saving up to 90% on regular energy usage.
A sophisticated fresh air ventilation system, solar technology and a heat recovery system are commonly used to achieve impressive savings, as are highly insulated windows and doors.
Key features and benefits
According to the Passive House Institute, to be classified as a "passive house window", profiles should be excellently insulated and feature low-e glass with argon or krypton gas. The windows' Uw-values, defining the amount of heat lost each hour per square metre, should then not exceed around 0.8 W/(m²K). With passive house experts onsite at our German base, multiple window profiles available at Neuffer are passive house certified and fit these requirements perfectly.
Superior glazing
Also known as passivhaus windows, Neuffer passive house windows, such as the Eco Idealu model, can feature triple passive house glazing consisting of three panes of glass. The spaces between panes are then filled with the required sealed unreactive gas, which has a low thermal conductivity to reduce energy loss and achieve passive house U-values.
Reduced energy costs
Well-insulated passive windows ensure that warmth is kept in during winter whereas undesirable heat is prevented from entering during summer. Considerable savings on energy bills can therefore be expected due to reduced usage of regular heating and cooling systems.
Additional chambers
A multi-layered profile ensures that passive house certified windows are well insulated and allows buildings to effectively self-regulate interior temperatures. Our best passive house windows, such as the Energeto 8000 model, feature a 6-chamber system with carbon fibre inserts to prevent heat transfer via conduction, or the creation of a so-called thermal bridge.
Durable low-maintenance
European passive house windows from Neuffer are available in uPVC and aluminium as well as aluminium clad uPVC and aluminium clad wood. The aluminium clad models feature an aluminium exterior while wood or uPVC show on the inside. All of these options are durable and weather-resistant materials which make the resulting passive house window a versatile and long-lasting product. The metallic and uPVC exteriors require little upkeep, just needing a cloth and some soap to remove any build-up of dirt, which saves costs and time.
The Neuffer difference
High performance windows from Neuffer that meet the passive house standard can be bespoke made. The exact RAL colourfinish, handle type or an additional fly screen and roller shutter can be chosen, for example. Just head below to explore the options or contact our expert window team to discuss the possibilities and receive a free quote.
Opt for expertise – Choosing Neuffer means choosing 150 years of German window expertise and tried and tested products developed with the latest innovative and energy-efficient technology.
A selection of profiles
Aluminium, uPVC, aluminium clad wood and aluminium clad uPVC passive house triple-glazed windows all effective material choices which each bring their own unique benefits. Where uPVC impresses with the best thermal performance, aluminium provides stronger impact resistance, for example, whereas aluminium clad wood adds a warm touch to interiors. With multiple profiles on offer from our passive house window manufacturers, it's just a matter of personal requirements and taste.
