I have been keeping mum these past few months about our big family project, but I cannot hold it off any longer. I am super excited. Our very own “passive house” is about to be realized!
Aesthetically, it may not look like anything from this perspective, but the main reason why we chose this type of design is its promise of slashing the heating energy consumption by an amazing 90%. It’s all about functionality! Not only is it environmentally-friendly, it will also be very pocket-friendly in the long run.
So what is a “Passive House”?
The passive house design was introduced by a German physicist Wolfgang Feist and Swedish professor Bo Adamson. It In 1996, the Passive House Institute in Germany was founded by Feist. Here in the Czech Republic, it is starting to gain popularity. According to Mother Earth News, there are only 15,000 buildings worldwide that are certified to have met passive house standards. In the US, this type of technology is just beginning to catch on with about a dozen buildings certified as “passive.”
The passive house design goes by the following basic concepts: Reducing Air Infiltration, Superinsulation, Eliminating Thermal Bridging, High performance (and properly placed) windows and doors, Super-efficient balanced ventilation systems, and Energy efficient design (compact) with healthy building materials and furnishings.
I wouldn’t go into details any further, but if you would like to know more about passive houses, this video presentation may help. Click here.
I will have to say that all credit relating to this project goes to my dear husband, one of the best engineers in the world. Long before this concept had been brought into fruition, he had it in his mind all along. When we decided to settle and build a home, he tirelessly did all the research on the best design that will fit our needs. The passive house was a clear choice from the very beginning, given all the benefits that this concept has to offer. We already knew what type of house we wanted to build without even knowing where or how it was going to be built. All the engineers in the family believe it is a great concept, so here it is.
Our house is situated in a new residential development area within Kolin surrounded by woods and a small body of water. We chose this location due to its proximity to nature and the neighborhood surrounding it.
This is the “zoomed in” view of our community.
But this is how it really looks like from the highway.
And this is what our “beach” looks like.
Who knows, it may even double as a skating rink during the winter. That, I have to find out soon.
Right now, we are very busy doing the final stages of the construction. Well, at least my husband is. I know it’s going to be a long project, but our goal is to move in before winter settles in. I am very curious to know if this passive house design will really live up to its concept and save us some money on our heating bills.
Although there is a lot of pressure ahead, I’m excited…..and I’m happy!
One of the most interesting things about a “passive house” is that it recycles all internal heat gains, including body heat from humans, the appliances, the computer, and the light bulbs! Needless to say, that during winter time, visitors can actually lower our energy bills.
So, will you come and visit?
Czech the Flip 