SUSTAINABILITY | Studio Negri

►Commitment to Sustainability

At STUDIO NEGRI, sustainability is not just a goal; it's the foundation of our practice. We understand the crucial role that architecture and construction play in reducing global CO2 emissions and are dedicated to promoting environmental, social, economic, and ecological sustainability in every project we undertake.

►Sustainable Design and Innovation

Our aim is to create architecture and urban spaces that positively impact the environment. By collaborating closely with our clients and design teams, we deliver buildings with reduced embodied carbon and enhanced operational performance. We believe that a well-designed building can be both visually stunning and environmentally responsible, achieving a balance that benefits both the user and the planet.

►Energy Efficiency and Climate Responsibility

Recognizing that ongoing energy costs can constitute up to 50% of a building's total cost over its lifespan, we prioritize energy-efficient design. Our approach begins with careful site selection, orientation, and façade development, leveraging our in-house computer simulation tools to model and optimize building performance from the earliest stages. Through these efforts, we ensure that our buildings not only meet but exceed sustainability benchmarks, including Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards.

►Flexible and Adaptive Buildings

Our designs focus on creating buildings that are not only sustainable in construction but also adaptable over time. By integrating passive and active design strategies, we minimize environmental harm while ensuring that our buildings remain healthy, comfortable, and flexible to changing needs. Our approach is underpinned by environmentally sound criteria, from material selection to the incorporation of state-of-the-art environmental engineering solutions.

►Leading the Way in Sustainable Architecture

As Certified Passivhaus Designers, we are committed to designing buildings that meet the highest standards of sustainability, including LEED Gold and Platinum certifications. Our expertise in sustainable architecture is reflected in our commitment to reducing Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a climate-neutral EU by 2050.

►Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency

At STUDIO NEGRI, we are committed to transitioning to a circular economy where resources are conserved, and waste is minimized. By focusing on design principles that emphasize durability, repair, and the extended lifespan of materials, we ensure that our buildings contribute to a continuous cycle of resource utilization. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact but also enhances the long-term value of our projects.

►Passivhaus Excellence

We believe in leveraging the latest technological advancements to create the most sustainable buildings possible. The Passivhaus standard represents the pinnacle of energy efficiency, balancing insulation and cost-effectiveness to minimize heating needs. Through careful design and the use of PHPP software, we ensure optimal comfort and energy performance, making Passivhaus buildings a viable and cost-effective choice for our clients.

►Embracing Green Building Technologies

Green building technologies are rapidly evolving, and we are at the forefront of integrating these advancements into our projects. From reducing embodied energy and avoiding toxic materials to ensuring high indoor air quality, our approach to ecological architecture is holistic. We aim to create buildings that are not only energy-efficient but also contribute to the health and well-being of their occupants.

►A Vision for the Future

STUDIO NEGRI’s vision is clear: to create sustainable, energy-efficient buildings that enhance the natural environment and contribute positively to local communities. By embracing sustainable design principles and innovative technologies, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the built environment and moving towards a climate-neutral future.

►STUDIO NEGRI are Certified Passivhaus Design Designers.

Understanding the Principles: A Path to Sustainable Living

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource depletion, sustainable building practices are becoming more critical than ever. Among the various approaches to energy-efficient construction, Passivhaus (or Passive House) design stands out as one of the most rigorous and effective methods. Developed in Germany in the late 1980s, the Passivhaus standard is designed to create buildings that require minimal energy for heating and cooling while providing superior comfort and air quality. In this article, we will explore the core principles of Passivhaus design and why they matter.

1. Super-Insulation

One of the foundational principles of Passivhaus design is the use of super-insulation. In a Passivhaus, the building envelope—comprising the walls, roof, and floor—is heavily insulated to minimize heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer. This insulation is far beyond what is typically required in conventional construction, often resulting in walls that are much thicker than usual. The goal is to achieve an extremely low U-value (a measure of heat loss), ensuring that the building retains warmth in the winter and stays cool in the summer with minimal energy input.

2. Airtight Construction

Airtightness is another critical aspect of Passivhaus design. To prevent unwanted heat loss or gain, Passivhaus buildings are constructed to be exceptionally airtight, reducing the infiltration of outside air and the exfiltration of conditioned indoor air. This is measured by a blower door test, which assesses how much air leaks out of the building when it is pressurized. A typical Passivhaus achieves an airtightness level of 0.6 air changes per hour (ACH) at 50 pascals of pressure, which is far tighter than standard building codes require.

3. Thermal Bridge-Free Design

Thermal bridges are areas in a building's envelope where heat is transferred more readily due to a break in the insulation layer, such as at window frames, wall-to-roof connections, or through structural elements like steel beams. These bridges can significantly reduce the overall energy efficiency of a building. Passivhaus design seeks to eliminate or minimize thermal bridges by careful detailing, ensuring that the insulation layer is continuous and that there are no gaps where heat can escape or enter.

4. High-Performance Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are typically weak points in a building's thermal envelope, allowing heat to pass through more easily than walls. In Passivhaus design, windows and doors are designed to be highly energy-efficient, often triple-glazed, with low-emissivity coatings and insulated frames. These high-performance windows and doors not only reduce heat loss but also prevent drafts, contributing to the overall comfort of the building. Additionally, the orientation of windows is carefully considered to maximize passive solar gain in the winter while minimizing overheating in the summer.

5. Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV)

Maintaining good indoor air quality while minimizing energy loss is a challenge in airtight buildings. To address this, Passivhaus buildings use mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery (HRV). These systems continuously supply fresh air to the building while extracting stale air. Importantly, the heat from the outgoing air is transferred to the incoming air via a heat exchanger, ensuring that very little energy is lost in the ventilation process. This allows the building to remain well-ventilated and healthy without sacrificing energy efficiency.

6. Passive Solar Design

Passivhaus design leverages the natural energy from the sun to reduce the need for artificial heating. Buildings are typically oriented to maximize exposure to the sun during the winter months when heating demand is highest. Large windows are placed on the southern side of the building (in the northern hemisphere) to capture solar energy, while shading devices or smaller windows are used on the northern side to minimize heat loss. This passive solar strategy helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature with minimal reliance on heating systems.

7. Compact Building Shape

The shape and size of a building also play a significant role in its energy efficiency. A compact building shape with a low surface area-to-volume ratio reduces the amount of heat lost through the building envelope. Passivhaus designs often feature simple, box-like shapes that are easier to insulate and air-seal. Complex shapes with many corners, dormers, or protrusions are avoided as they create more opportunities for thermal bridging and air leakage.

The Benefits of Passivhaus Design

The principles of Passivhaus design culminate in buildings that are not only energy-efficient but also incredibly comfortable and healthy to live in. The benefits of adopting Passivhaus design principles include:

Significantly Reduced Energy Bills: Due to the extreme energy efficiency, Passivhaus buildings typically use 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to conventional buildings, resulting in substantial savings on energy bills.
Enhanced Indoor Comfort: The combination of super-insulation, airtightness, and high-performance windows ensures that Passivhaus buildings maintain a stable indoor temperature with no drafts or cold spots.
Improved Indoor Air Quality: The HRV system provides a continuous supply of fresh air, reducing the concentration of indoor pollutants and allergens.
Environmental Sustainability: By minimizing energy consumption and utilizing passive design strategies, Passivhaus buildings contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, helping to mitigate climate change.

►Conclusion

Passivhaus design represents a gold standard in energy-efficient building, combining rigorous construction techniques with intelligent design strategies to create buildings that are sustainable, comfortable, and affordable to operate. As the world moves towards more sustainable living practices, Passivhaus principles offer a clear and proven path forward for the future of residential and commercial construction. Contact us to design your Passivhaus home or commercial building.

Passivhaus Design in Ireland: A Growing Trend in Sustainable Architecture

As Ireland increasingly embraces sustainable building practices, Passivhaus (or Passive House) design is gaining significant traction. This ultra-low-energy building standard, which originated in Germany, aligns perfectly with Ireland's climate goals and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. With a focus on minimizing energy consumption while maximizing comfort and air quality, Passivhaus design offers a compelling solution for both residential and commercial construction across the country. In this article, we'll explore the principles of Passivhaus design, its relevance to Ireland, and the benefits it brings to Irish homeowners and developers.

The Relevance of Passivhaus to Ireland

Ireland's temperate maritime climate presents unique challenges and opportunities for energy-efficient building design. The mild but wet winters, cool summers, and high levels of humidity necessitate buildings that can maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round with minimal energy input. Traditional Irish homes, particularly those built before modern building regulations, often suffer from poor insulation, leading to high energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Passivhaus design addresses these issues head-on by creating buildings that are airtight, super-insulated, and equipped with high-performance windows and ventilation systems.

The Benefits of Passivhaus in Ireland

Adopting Passivhaus design in Ireland offers numerous advantages:

Lower Energy Bills: Given Ireland’s reliance on imported fossil fuels for heating, reducing energy consumption can lead to significant cost savings for homeowners and businesses. Passivhaus buildings typically use up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to traditional buildings, making them an economically attractive option.
Enhanced Comfort: The combination of super-insulation, airtight construction, and high-performance windows ensures that Passivhaus buildings maintain a stable indoor temperature with no cold spots or drafts, even during Ireland’s cold and windy winters.
Improved Air Quality: The HRV system provides a continuous supply of filtered fresh air, reducing the presence of indoor pollutants, allergens, and excess humidity—a common issue in Ireland. This results in a healthier living environment.
Environmental Sustainability: As Ireland strives to meet its climate targets, Passivhaus design offers a practical way to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. By minimizing energy consumption, Passivhaus buildings contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

►Passivhaus in Practice: Irish Success Stories

Ireland has seen a growing number of Passivhaus-certified projects, from single-family homes to larger developments. These projects demonstrate that the principles of Passivhaus design can be successfully applied in the Irish context, delivering both energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

For example, the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has been at the forefront of promoting Passivhaus design in social housing projects. Their developments not only meet the Passivhaus standard but also provide affordable, comfortable homes for residents, setting a benchmark for sustainable public housing in Ireland.

Similarly, private residential projects across the country, from rural settings in County Cork to urban areas in Dublin, are adopting Passivhaus principles. These homes are not only energy-efficient but also aesthetically pleasing, proving that sustainability and design quality can go hand in hand.

►Challenges and Future Outlook

While Passivhaus design offers clear benefits, its adoption in Ireland is not without challenges. The initial cost of Passivhaus construction can be higher than traditional building methods, which can be a barrier for some homeowners and developers. However, these costs are often offset by the long-term savings on energy bills and the increasing availability of financial incentives for energy-efficient construction.

Moreover, as the market for Passivhaus components (such as high-performance windows and HRV systems) grows, these costs are likely to decrease. Ireland’s construction industry is also becoming more familiar with Passivhaus principles, leading to more competitive pricing and a wider range of expertise.

Looking ahead, the future of Passivhaus in Ireland looks promising. With the government’s continued focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, alongside growing awareness among homeowners, Passivhaus design is set to play a key role in shaping the country’s built environment.

►Conclusion

Passivhaus design represents a powerful tool for creating sustainable, comfortable, and energy-efficient buildings in Ireland. By embracing these principles, Ireland can not only reduce its carbon footprint but also enhance the quality of life for its residents. As more projects across the country adopt Passivhaus standards, this approach will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of Ireland’s sustainable future.

Passivhaus Design in Ireland: A Growing Trend in Sustainable Architecture

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