The Passivhaus Handbook: A practical guide to constructing and retrofitting buildings for ultra-low energy performance (Sustainable Building)

I ordered this book as someone who is new to Passivhaus design and wanted to learn more. It is written in a way that is easy to understand for someone who is new to the subject. The authors present a balanced view of all the issues and considerations that someone considering a Passivhaus build needs to be aware of. While it probably doesn't provide enough technical detail to be a stand-alone manual, it does provide enough for someone new to Passivhaus design to gain a good understanding, and for this I found it a very interesting, informative and worthwhile read. Each chapter is colour-coded and the text is broken down into easily digestible small chunks. There are plenty of images and diagrams which help with understanding and break up the text, making it a more interesting read. While this could be a dry subject if not presented well, I did not find this book dry to read at all. It is well organised and provides an interesting and thorough explanation of all the different dimensions to consider in Passivhaus building, covering everything from economics and policy to the certification and design process, to materials, thermal bridges, airtightness and sequencing, windows, moisture, ventilation, and even talks about what it is like to live in a Passivhaus. Excellent book that I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants an easily digestible yet thorough introduction to the subject.

Published 2012 - Paperback - approx 20.5 x 25.5 x 1.5 cm - 907 grams ie not a pocket book256 pages, Good index, colour illustrations, 14 chaptersIntroduction by the Wolfgang FeistAuthors are an architect and a builder / director of LUFT MVHRCheerful informative writing style - it would be nice to think that, as it is now over ten years old, the science / regulations had progressed - who knows? Good explanation of the jargon.It certainly has the ring of truth - quote p 80:"There are many buildings in the UK that were built very poorly and really need to be put out of their misery!".Good advice for dealing with architects.

Informative and topical book

Seriously considering building a passivhaus drove the decision to purchase this book. If it had been available on Kindle I would have bought that version. Having this sort of hard copy though is useful. The essential aspects to achieve a passivhaus are well covered after an initial helpful introduction. Footnotes and links to essential parts and references for Passivhaus were useful for research beyond the basic book. Having been written by a couple of enthusiasts who have been intimately involved in introducing the style to the UK really helps. Their experiences are valuable as well as knowledge as to how provision of the various essential elements are changing. The final chapter with a number of people's experiences with their own passivhaus building in new build and retrofit was very helpful to put it all in context.The initial full read through gives a thorough base to build further knowledge upon. Then being able to delve into specific areas as they become relevant will be invaluable.Could not think of a better book to cover this subject. Well thought out. Well written. Useful illustrations. Excellent tables and specific interest segments.

An absolute pleasure to read especially given the complexity of the subject. All it needs is updating slightly. Thank you Janet !

Excellent book about what it takes to build a PassivHaus. A complex subject dealt with in an easy to follow series of detailed chapters. Hard to fault it but lots to praise. If you are interested in PassivHaus you'd be hard pressed to find a better description.

Being honest i was expecting more from this book, especially in terms of construction detains/building methods etc even down to performance comparisons of the various energy sources etc it seems to be more of a marketing tool for passivehaus excel spreadsheets than any thing, very top level.

Wow! This book arrived 5 days earlier than expected!It came in perfect condition and in a good package.It's a book I will be using for a course at UCL so it is highly recommended for those who want to read a lot of informative things related to the PassivHaus standard.Excellent buy!