Passive design utilises the building’s structure and fabric to harness the energy of the sun, earth, water, air and building materials to stabilise internal temperatures and maintain air quality with minimal mechanical intervention.
Passive design starts with some basic local environmental conditions research, and then is developed through a combination of building orientation, strategic placement of the different zones within the home, positioning of glazing types across the different compass directions, introduction or use of existing shading, key placement of thermal mass, in conjunction with capturing or deflecting natural breeze paths.
* Not to be confused with PassivHaus – this is a rigorous performance based modelling and certification system originating in Europe, based on similar principles of passive solar design.
