PHBdW: Passivhaus Bau der Woche 14

We’ve been discussing Passivhaus and panelization/prefabrication a lot lately, and so it was interesting to run across this modern little prefab in Germany (naturally…). Panelization/prefabrication and high performance building go hand in hand – but like any other Passivhaus – it definitely saves a lot of efficiencies and headaches to design towards a Passivhaus instead of working backwards.

This compact wooden gem was designed by Vallentin Architektur as a showcase for Suedhausbau Bauart, a German development company that appears to be teaming up with architects for an array of modern buildings meeting various energy standards. This model is designed to meet Passivhaus and looks like it – compact form, glazing oriented to the south and exterior shading to prevent overheating.

One of the things we like about this project is the floor to ceiling glass – while there are a number of people who seem to think living in a Passivhaus requires tiny windows – this is far from the case. Even though most of the glazing is loaded to the south to take advantage of those rare moments of sun (Berlin is notoriously cloudy, as Aaron can attest to), windows are carefully positioned to provide views around the building.


A deck on the second floor shades the living area on the ground floor, and creates a sheltered outdoor space, which might come in handy on rainy days. While some of the detailing is a little clunky, the move is a strong one which we’ve seen on a number of Passivhaeuser and really like.


Airtightness: 0.30ACH50
Heating Demand: 15 kWh/m²a (4.75kBTU/ft²a)
Primary Energy Demand: 110 kWh/m²a (34.9 kBTU/ft²a)
Windows: variotec Energyframe U-value=0.68 W/m²k (R-8.4)
Glazing: Sanco Solar S3 Ug=0,529 W/m²k (R-10.7), SHGC = 0.52


Above-grade wall assembly, U-value=0,095 W/m²k (R-60)

  • 2 layers GWB
  • Service wall w/ mineral wool
  • ½” OSB
  • 14” I-joist w/ cellulose insulation
  • Diffuse-open wood fiber board
  • Rear ventilated rainscreen

Ground slab assembly, U-value=0.089 W/m²k (R-64)

  • Wood flooring
  • screed
  • insulation
  • 7” EPS
  • 9” Concrete slab

Roof assembly, U-value=0.088 W/m²k (R-65)

  • GWB
  • Service wall
  • ½” OSB
  • 14” I-joist w/ cellulose insulation
  • Diffuse-open wood fiber board
  • Battens/counterbattens
  • Metal roof

The interior is warm and inviting, which might be a surprise to some, but not us. We’re also impressed with the building from an embodied energy standpoint – all insulation above grade is cellulose, which is about 85% recycled material. The predominant material for finishes, trim, windows and exterior is wood – mostly larch. Not only does this Passivhaus villa save on energy bills but it significantly reduces CO2 emissions over standard construction – without relying on a PV tied to the dirty grid. Given the right design, orientation and motivation –  a prefab Passivhaus should be a breeze. The reduced construction waste and time of prefab is also a rather nice bonus.

  • Architect: Vallentin Architektur
  • Location: Neuenhangen bei Berlin (DE)
  • TFA: 138 m² (1,485 ft²)
  • completed: 2010
  • fotos: unknown

additional links:

  • Passivhaus datenbank entry
  • http://blog.buildllc.com/ Andrew

    Stellar coverage on a very handsome project guys. Love the details and specs – keep up the hard work.

  • santan

    hi guys, love the house, just wondreing if passivhaus`s are more expensive..than a normal house build ?

    • http://bruteforcecollaborative.com/ mike eliason

      more expensive than a normal build – potentially, at least for detached housing. there are projects (MFH, institutional) where PH construction costs came out same as standard construction. a lot of factors at play. also, once accounting for energy costs, (unless your utility costs are insanely low) the total costs (construction + energy) of the PH will be lower than total cost of an inefficient house.

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