Future-Proofing Your Home Build: The Brilliance of Passive & Performance Homes
Future-Proofing Your Home: The Brilliance of Passive/Performance Homes
Passive Houses: The Way Of The Future?
Future proof your home - for comfort now & for value later.
There is no doubt that those who choose to live in Wanaka, generally have more consideration for environmental factors than many.
They tend to be a savvy bunch, who enjoy both our great outdoors, alongside the comforts in life. With the global movement towards more Passive Home principles. Are you making sure you future proof your build for the potential Wanaka home buyers of the future?
As our world faces the pressing challenges of climate change and dwindling energy resources, the need for sustainable and energy-efficient living is becoming more and more evident.
In this context, passive/performance homes have emerged as a brilliant option for those looking to future-proof their homes in terms of comfort, value, and environmental responsibility.
This article explores the concept of passive homes, their benefits, and how they align with the global movement toward sustainable building practices.
Many may argue that Passive homes cost more to build and use more materials. They are also likely to last a hell of a lot longer. Both in terms of workmanship, materials and keeping up with a standard of living we will deem the norm in the future.
Consider this. You build a brand new house this year, or next year. You continue to suffer with problems like leaky windows, having to spend thousands on fire wood each year and suffering through extreme temperature swings that Wanaka experiences.
When you come to sell your house in 5,10, 20 or 30 years - consider what new buyers will consider the norm. With Scotland introducing Passive House Principles for all new builds by 2024 - this is something us kiwis need to seriously start considering to future proof the value of our homes.
What are Passive/Performance Homes?
Passive/Performance homes, also known as passive houses, are meticulously designed and constructed to optimise energy efficiency.
They minimise energy consumption, and maintain a comfortable living environment. Sounds good doesn’t it?
These homes use a combination of innovative building materials, advanced insulation techniques, airtight construction, and mechanical ventilation systems to achieve exceptional energy performance.
And this is why we love building them. Short-term comfort. Mid-term savings. Long term value preservation.
The Brilliance of Passive/Performance Homes:
A quick reminder of some of the upfront benefits of a passive build, combined with the long term considerations…
Unparalleled Comfort: Passive houses prioritise occupant comfort by ensuring a stable indoor climate throughout the year. Their excellent insulation, airtight construction, and mechanical ventilation systems help regulate temperature, reduce drafts, and maintain consistent humidity levels. Consequently, you as home owners enjoy a comfortable living environment, free from cold spots, drafts and excessive heat, regardless of the weather outside.
Remarkable Energy Efficiency: Passive homes are designed to dramatically reduce energy consumption. The careful integration of insulation, airtightness, and high-performance windows and doors minimises heat loss and heat gain, resulting in significantly reduced energy requirements for heating and cooling. Passive homes typically use 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to conventional homes, leading to substantial cost savings and a lighter carbon footprint.
Superior Indoor Air Quality: While passive homes are airtight to minimize heat loss, they incorporate mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery. These systems ensure a continuous supply of fresh air while efficiently recovering heat from the outgoing stale air. As a result, passive homes maintain excellent indoor air quality, free from pollutants, allergens, and excess moisture, enhancing the overall health and well-being of the occupants.
Long-Term Cost Savings: Investing in a passive/performance home can yield significant long-term financial benefits. Although the initial construction costs may be slightly higher than those of traditional homes, the energy savings over the years offset the initial investment. With rising energy prices, the lower energy bills of a passive home contribute to substantial savings, making it an economically prudent choice in the long run. Additionally, the growing demand for energy-efficient homes in the real estate market ensures that passive houses retain their value and have a higher resale potential.
Along with all these benefits, at MA Building, we’re committed to sustainability throughout the process. We minimise construction waste, use natural products wherever possible and re-use/recycle everything we can. We do this to benefit both you and our beautiful backyard. It’s part of our process. So, you can sit back and relax, knowing that this is just something we do.
The Global Shift towards Passive House Principles
In recent years, nations worldwide have recognised the importance of sustainable construction and energy-efficient housing. As a result, many countries are embracing passive house principles and implementing regulations and incentives to encourage their adoption.
Germany has been a pioneer in promoting passive houses since the 1990s, and other European countries, including Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden, have followed suit.
Notably, the International Passive House Association (iPHA) actively promotes passive house standards globally, supporting efforts to establish energy-efficient building practices worldwide.
This year, Scotland has announced all new builds must meet their own set of Passive House Principles by 2024.
The movement is growing.
Scotland shares our climate and so, whilst New Zealand’s updated building regulations improve things in the minor leagues - we would argue we need more of a shift. A lot more in fact.
Why choosing Passive Principles is a smart move for the future
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need for sustainable living, passive/performance homes emerge as a brilliant option for future-proofing our homes.
These homes offer unparalleled comfort, remarkable energy efficiency, superior indoor air quality, and long-term cost savings.
Furthermore, the global shift toward passive house principles signifies a growing recognition of the importance of energy-efficient and environmentally responsible housing.
By choosing a passive home, you’ll not only enhance your own living experience but also contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Consider Now & Then…
Like any savvy home builder you are probably thinking somewhat about the future and the sale of your home.
We’re urging as many people as possible to build using these methods as building regulations creep closer to our principles.
Consider the comfort now.
Consider the energy savings.
But also consider having one of the best, most comfortable and most efficient houses on the market in Wanaka when you come to sell. We would argue…that’s pretty priceless.