We have broken down the type of home achieved, using the above principles, into three levels to explain the differing options available dependent upon your unique set of circumstances. This includes your budget, your site constraints, and your family’s priorities.
These are:
More detail on each level is found below.
The ultimate high performing home is a ‘Certified Passive House’. This home has been tested, measured and internationally certified to perform thermally at an extremely high level with known (but little to no) heating and cooling requirements. Cost or design may make this ultimate level prohibitive for some but aiming for the best performance level you can achieve within your personal constraints is always recommended.
You can still achieve a high performing home, much higher than a minimum build code-built house through employing the same principles. The benefits will be minimal if, for example, you only tackle insulation levels or windows alone. The greatest benefits exist when all the above principles, particularly, insulation, air tightness and the MHRV, are addressed as part of a design build package.
Whatever your budget, or design demands, the key is letting your team of builder and designer know your budget, or design demands, so we can work with this knowledge to get you the best performing home for your unique set of circumstances. House size, simplicity of design, or alternative hardware are a few of the options to consider.
It is important to have the builder and designer involved right from the start. Your engagement with this level of expertise will ensure you get the performance you are aiming for and that thermal integrity is not compromised through lack of understanding or inexperience in this level of construction.