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-health risks: unseen mould growth behind wall linings and external cladding can be a health risk to the occupants, particularly the young or elderly, or those with asthma.
-visual deterioration: deflection or staining of plasterboard linings as a result of moisture trapped behind the linings can cause ugly stains and swelling.
-energy efficiency: a reduction in the building’s energy efficiency can occur due to moisture in the insulation, which can result in loss of thermal performance.
-structural decay: moisture trapped within the structure can result in long term corrosion of metal structures, timber rot, loosening of nails as timber swells, and cladding rot or swelling which can result in costly rectification work.
-structural decay: moisture trapped within the structure can result in long term corrosion of metal structures, timber rot, loosening of nails as timber swells, and cladding rot or swelling which can result in costly rectification work
-outdoor air is not the only source of water vapour
-a family of four can easily generate between 7 and 22 kg of water vapour per day
-Temperatures above 20 degrees C and water vapour levels over 50% can lead to a rapid expansion of the dust mite population
-Above 70% Relative Humidity Moulds And Fungus Can Develop On Surfaces In A Building. These Organisms Can Produce Toxins And Irritants Which Can Effect Respiratory Health
Good ventilation and vapour open construction
-buildings need a suitable ventilation strategy preferably a mechanical ventilation system with energy recovery (mvhr) supplying consistent fresh filtered air
-the building needs to be air-tight
-thermal bridges need to eliminated
-the building envelope needs to be wrapped in an envelope system that is waterproof and vapour open so that any interstitial condensation does not stay trapped in the wall and can work its way to the outside air
Every inch of our homes are not only beautifully designed, they are calculated and built to surpass the World’s most rigorous energy efficiency, comfort and sustainability standards for buildings. Every component, every wall, window and even appliance is taken into consideration when meeting the Passivhaus performance standards
To date there have been over 60,000 Passivhaus units built around the world.
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Main photo- Villa di Gioia Passivhuaus in Bisceglie, Puglia, Italy: “Casa Passiva Mediterranea”