Passive houses, or the 'passivhaus', are becoming increasingly popular as more people look for sustainable and energy-efficient homes.
Let's take a look at how passive houses are revolutionising home design and efficiency - and why they're the future of sustainable living.
What makes passive houses more efficient than traditional homes?
Passive houses are designed to use up to 90% less energy than traditional homes by taking advantage of natural sources of energy.
They're built with thick walls and airtight seals that reduce heat loss and improve insulation. They also use triple-glazed windows that help retain heat and reduce noise pollution.
The result is a home that requires minimal heating and cooling, which translates into lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
How do passive houses benefit the environment and reduce carbon emissions?
Passive houses are designed to be environmentally friendly and sustainable. By using less energy to heat and cool the home, they reduce the need for fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources.
They also reduce the amount of carbon emissions produced by the home, which is a major contributor to climate change.
In addition, they're often built with materials that are eco-friendly and sustainable, such as recycled or renewable materials.
What are some of the latest trends and innovations in passive house design?
Passive house design is constantly evolving, with new innovations and trends emerging all the time. Some of the latest trends include incorporating smart home technology, using solar panels to generate electricity, and incorporating green roofs and walls to improve insulation and air quality.
Other innovations include using heat recovery ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality and reducing water usage with low-flow fixtures.
And so it seems, passive houses are the future of sustainable living.
They offer a comfortable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly home that can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on energy bills.
If you're interested in learning more about passive houses, building them or buying one, talk to Sowerbys' land and new homes team.
Find out more about Green MEadow, a collection of homes in Norfolk built to Passivhaus Standards, here.