Passivhaus Handbook

The Passivhaus Handbook, one of the first comprehensive passive house books in English, is an essential guide for everyone wanting to realise a supremely comfortable, healthy and durable home with exceptionally low energy costs.

‘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

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.

Buy The Passivhaus Handbook here*

… buy it while you are visiting the Totnes Passivhaus B & B and get £10 off!

* Contact us for mailing costs if you are outside the UK
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The Passivhaus Handbook cover

Read an excerpt from The Passivhaus Handbook