The effects of fuel poverty are on the rise. Passivhaus construction sets out to minimise heating and cooling costs. Passivhaus design received national media coverage through the success of Goldsmith Street at the RIBA Stirling Prize 2019.
This recording provides an overview of Passivhaus construction. It discusses how the structural engineer’s role is affected by the standard’s requirements. Experiences and challenges from the Goldsmith Street residential development give specific examples.
A brief history of Passivhaus shows how the standard has been used within the UK and globally. How this approach meets the challenge of sustainable construction is also discussed.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the key objectives of Passivhaus design and how these affect the structural engineer
- Discover specific technical challenges encountered during the design phase
- Appreciate how early concept design can fundamentally affect the detailed design and ability to meet the requirements of the Passivhaus standard
The Passivhaus residential development at Goldsmith Street