Insulation and
Thermal Bridging

Effective insulation minimises heat transfer through a building’s exterior, improves thermal comfort and reduces the risk of condensation. To achieve this, Passive Houses have increased requirements over conventional building standards.

Passive Houses also minimise penetrations through insulation, such as studs or steel reinforcement. These “thermal bridges” increase heat transfer through the envelope, even with good insulation.

Windows

Passive House requires high performing windows and frames to meet thermal performance requirements.

Echo will incorporate Alu-Clad timber triple-glazed windows and sliding doors from reputable
European manufacturers.

Air Sealing

Air sealing is one of the most significant elements and challenges of Passive House, and one that demands rigorous testing and quality control. That’s because controlling your airflow is key to managing heating and cooling costs.

C Street Projects has collaborated with construction and design experts to develop efficient solutions to achieve the Passive House standard’s stringent requirements for air sealing.

Ventilation

How can we make sure a house with a tight air seal stays comfortable? Passive House uses a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV). Echo uses Zehnder HRVs, a Swiss company that manufactures Passive House certified units that continuously bring in fresh filtered air and exhaust stale air.

The fresh supply air is conditioned with the energy from the outgoing exhaust and delivered throughout all habitable areas, 24 hours a day. This works equally well in summer and winter. Unlike an open window, the occupant has complete control of the incoming air at all times, without noise or security concerns.

Your home will still have a split system, but it won’t be needed as much to heat or cool indoor spaces because of Passive House principles.