Learn about the fastest growing energy performance standard in the world!
What's included?
Understanding Passivhaus is a simple guide to the Passivhaus standard. The book explains the principles behind Passivhaus thinking, and explores numerous construction methods for achieving the Passivhaus standard.
The book features over 60 construction details, in 2D and 3D. All of these details are available to download in CAD and SketchUp format!
What is Passivhaus?
- Why design a Passivhaus?
- PHPP
- Certification
Types of Construction
- Masonry construction
- Timber frame
- Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS)
- Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF)
- Mixed methods of construction
Principles of Passivhaus Design
- Technical requirements
- Building fabric
- Form factor
- Insulation
- Thermal bridge
- Airtightness and air leakage
- Building services and ventilation
- Windows
- Solar design
- Shading
- Summer ventilation
- Roof lights
Construction Details
- Solid concrete with rendered external insulation
- Insulated concrete formwork
- Solid masonry with larsen trusses
- Masonry cavity wall
- Timber frame with larsen trusses
- Timber I joist frame
- SIPS construction
- Timber frame with external render
Case Studies
A selection of wonderful examples of Passivhaus designs and construction methods, with more case studies added for this second edition.
New to the 2nd Edition
Not only does the new edition feature more details, more construction methods and more case studies, it also includes another book!
Details: Calculated is packed full of thermal calculations of all the details, with descriptive images and thermal field diagrams. It includes in depth information on thermal bridges, Psi values, window optimisation, fRSI values and plenty more!
Plus, Details: Calculated also includes all the Flixo files for download so you can adjust and edit the files, explore the results and gain a deep understanding of thermal bridging and Psi values.
Download over 60 2D CAD files and over 60 3D SketchUp models!
How this book will help you
- Gain a better understanding of the Passivhaus standard
- Understand the basic principles of detailing a Passivhaus
- Learn about the different construction methods that can be used for Passivhaus design
- Improve your technical ability
- Increase your knowledge of one of the fastest growing energy performance standards in the world
- Save a huge amount of time searching for details
- Edit and develop the CAD files into your own detail library
- Explore the 3D SketchUp files to improve your understanding of the Passivhaus design
Not sure if the books are right for you?
Please feel free to download a sample so you can get a closer look.
Who is it for?
students | graduates | professionals | tutors | professors
This book is really useful to quite a few different people.
Students looking to increase their knowledge of Passivhaus and low energy buildings.
Graduates use the book to take out into the workplace and use as a reference.
Professionals use the book as a reference as they embark on new low energy projects or their first Passivhaus project.
Self Builders looking to gain an understanding of Passivhaus design in a clear and visual way.
The book is also highly recommended by many tutors, lecturers and professors who teach construction at colleges and universities around the globe.
Hi, I’m Emma.
This is why I wrote the book...
In the past I have spent hours searching for details, trying to find an example of a detail so that I can understand the construction a bit better. When I was at university I was really frustrated with how difficult it was to improve my construction knowledge. There just doesn’t seem to be much clear and concise information readily available on commercial and industrial construction. When you do find what you are looking for it is often difficult to digest. That is why I knew what a valuable resource this book would be for both architecture students and professionals.
After writing several successful construction books (Commercial, Residential US, Passivhaus, Loft Conversions and more), I know that this new edition of the Residential construction book really fills the gap I have experienced both as a student and professional.
As Featured In
Exactly What You Need
AMAZING!
This is exactly what I have been looking for. Having brought Emma’s previous books, I knew this was going to be informative and easy to read but the level of detail Emma has gone to with this book is amazing.
I can’t wait to use this book in my final year at university and throughout my career.
Jasmine - Architecture Student
I am glad I stumbled upon your website. I have been looking for a simplified (but still technical) approach to Passivehouse. It looks like you put a lot of work into this book (and the details), I just wanted to let you know work like this is very much appreciated. It will be a big help as I continue on my journey of Passive House design and overall environmentally friendly construction methods here in Canada.
Wojtek - Architect
I have just finished reading your book Understanding Passivhaus and wanted to congratulate you on creating something so concise yet useful and comprehensive.It was a really useful introduction to the broad principles of Passivhaus design and the further reading list also looks as though it will prove very helpful.
Matthew - Architect
Thanks for the ebook. It proved very useful for the Passivhaus Designer exam revision which was my original motivation for the purchase. Looking forward to a more leisurely read through now without the pressure and hopefully applying some of it to upcoming projects.
Mark - Architect
Have now received the hard copy of The Passivhaus design book and so far I am impressed, certainly with the clear layout. I will hopefully start incorporating the CAD/SKP details into my new projects.
I have a small Architectural practice working with a partner and I am a Member of CIAT.
I am looking now into maybe getting Passivhaus certified designer, hence the interest in your book.
Dean - MCIAT
Ms. Walshaw’s book is a crucial addition to the literature on passive house design. The details are clear, and the descriptions are concise. Everything you need, nothing you don’t!
Jonathan - Architect
FAQ
*PLEASE NOTE: If you are a university, institution, or library, the digital books are not permitted for purchase. You can purchase hard copies by clicking the link above, or you can check out the other options available using this link. Alternatively, feel free to contact our team at