The Origin of Passive House

The Passive House (Passivhaus) concept was developed in Germany in the early 1990s by physicist Dr. Wolfgang Feist and Swedish professor Bo Adamson. Their goal was simple but revolutionary: to design buildings that require very little energy to heat or cool, while maintaining exceptional indoor comfort and air quality.

The first Passive House building was completed in Darmstadt, Germany, in 1991, proving that a well-insulated, airtight home with high-performance windows could drastically reduce heating demand — often by up to 90% compared to conventional buildings.

Today, Passive House standards are internationally recognized and increasingly adopted in Canada, where cold climates make energy-efficient design even more critical. This approach combines science, comfort, and sustainability, focusing on how the building envelope — walls, roof, and windows — work together to eliminate drafts and energy loss.

Passive House for Architects, Builders, and Homeowners

For architects, Passive House design offers a clear framework for high-performance buildings — using advanced modeling tools (like PHPP) to ensure each design meets strict energy targets.

For builders, it emphasizes precision: airtight construction, continuous insulation, and the correct installation of high-performance windows and doors. The smallest gaps or thermal bridges can make a major difference in achieving certification.

For homeowners, Passive House means unmatched comfort, lower utility bills, and superior indoor air quality — without relying heavily on mechanical heating or cooling systems. The result is a healthier, quieter, and more durable home.

Why Windows Matter Most

Windows are one of the most critical components in Passive House design. They are both a source of solar gain (free heat in winter) and a potential source of heat loss if poorly designed.

According to Natural Resources Canada’s EnerGuide standard, windows account for approximately 20% to 25% of total heat loss in a typical Canadian home. In some older or poorly insulated houses, that number can rise to up to 35%.

That’s why Passive House projects rely on European-grade triple-glazed windows, featuring warm-edge spacers, insulated frames, and airtight installation. These windows not only reduce heat loss but also capture winter sunlight to help heat the home naturally.