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INDUSTRY VIEWFINDER
INDUSTRY VIEWFINDER
Revisiting Design Thinking on Passivhaus
Introduction
Passivhaus is still an emerging part of the UK’s mainstream design and construction landscape, even seen as an esoteric, marginal option in some spheres – due to its perceived cost, diffi culty and implications on lifestyle, among other blocks to adoption. However, in certain parts of the UK, in particular Scotland, it has become a greater part of everyday discussion for specifi ers: the country is to introduce a law in 2026 to make a ‘Passivhaus-equivalent’ standard mandatory for all new homes from 2028 onwards. In 2021 we surveyed architects regarding their experience of, and attitudes towards, Passivhaus design using a variety of ‘passive’ approaches to save energy use, and the results were illuminating. While our research confi rmed some of the reasons for the relatively slow take-up across the UK for Passivhaus projects, according to our respondents the design approach was not necessarily as challenging for architects, or their clients, as common perceptions may have suggested. By ‘revisiting’ the subject, we aimed to see how the profession’s views may have changed (or remained similar) since 2021, but we
also introduced a range of new questions to gain deeper insight into some areas such as challenges faced on projects, ‘compromises’ required, design and software approaches, cost issues, and the possibilities of scaling Passivhaus in various sectors. In order to track progress since 2021, we repeated a range of questions, including which sectors respondents felt most appropriate for going the Passivhaus route. These included how much they agreed with a series of preconceptions around Passivhaus design – from whether resistance will reduce as we approach net zero, to whether it strengthens the architect’s role, and if clients are becoming more amenable generally, over time. We also sought to fi nd out whether views had changed among clients on the appearance of Passivhaus buildings, and developers’ growing acceptance or otherwise; and lastly on misconceptions that these buildings must look radically different. We asked again what factors were driving Passivhaus option to see if the nuances around views had altered in the four year interval, and what actions needed to happen for wider adoption, and we asked about remaining stigmas, the priorities for sustainable
To what extent do you agree with these statements on perceptions of Passivhaus design? Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
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ADF MARCH 2025
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