Passive Solar Design uses building orientation, glazing, and thermal mass to naturally heat and cool a home, while Passivhaus is a strict, certified standard that prioritises extreme insulation, airtightness, and mechanical heat recovery ventilation. Passivhaus ensures high energy efficiency and comfort, while Passive Solar depends more on site conditions and active occupant management.
Approach: Passive Solar optimises natural elements (sun, breezes). Passivhaus uses a scientific, data-driven approach to minimise energy demand regardless of orientation.
Ventilation: Passive Solar relies on natural ventilation (opening windows). Passivhaus uses mandatory mechanical ventilation (MVHR) for constant, fresh, filtered air.
Airtightness: Passivhaus requires extreme airtightness to prevent heat loss, often 4-6 times better than typical construction.
Performance Guarantee: Passivhaus provides guaranteed, modelled results for energy consumption and comfort. Passive Solar results can be more variable based on site limitations.
Cost: Passivhaus generally requires a higher initial investment in materials and technology compared to Passive Solar.
Passive Solar is ideal for well-oriented sites with good access to the sun.
Passivhaus is more suited for maximising performance, especially in challenging, cold, or noisy environments.