Feasibility study

Assesses feasibility of achieving Passivhaus performance targets and cost of doing so, using proven Envirotecture systems for Passivhaus development. Note we recommend the design team commission a QS report at this stage. Fixed fee.

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Design Development & Construction Detailing

• Continued development of the design and the PHPP worksheet to optimise for performance and construction efficiency.
• Deliver advice and details for up to six typical build-ups and up to eight junctions (thermal detailing only, no architectural input),
• complete up to eight thermal bridge calculations including window/door installations, provide thermal envelope drawings,
• provide insulation specifications,
• develop MVHR layout and recommend a specific unit,
• provide air-conditioning layout,
• confirm air-conditioning data for Passivhaus certification if air-conditioning contractor/brand is already selected,
• develop a customised list of inspection points critical to successful Passivhaus certification,
• provide up to two rounds of geometry and/or shading changes to the Passivhaus model, carry out one or two additional rounds of Passivhaus modelling changes (eg insulation options, thermal bridge iterations or equipment specification changes) and attend up to three one-hour online meetings with the design team.

Note the following services are out of scope for the fixed fee package, but can be undertaken as needed:

• develop new window profiles for thermal bridge calculations,
• calculate window data to EN ISO 10077-2 and
• ensure Passivhaus equivalency for non-PHI certified ventilation units.

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Contract review

Ensure that all of the Passivhaus-related aspects of the build are included in the documentation package. This is specific to Passivhaus and does not replace your lawyer’s review of the contract in general. Fixed fee.

(We are not lawyers! But we have been called in to assist as experts after contracts went pear-shaped and have useful insights as to how to prevent it. See more.)

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Construction Advice

Provide advice to construction trades as required while build is underway, in addition to inspections (see below). There is a particular focus on ensuring airtightness and the construction sequencing that supports this goal. Assist with how to integrate late changes from the client if required. Renovations always deliver surprises, we will assist with resolving any challenges that are uncovered.

Fee allows for a fixed number of hours over the project duration; beyond this, hourly rates will apply.  Fixed fee.

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Inspections

All inspections are done by experienced PHI-certified Passivhaus Tradespeople, according to the schedule drawn up during design development.

Typical inspections include the following:

• pre-construction meeting with builder, virtual or on-site,
• pre-concrete pour, where slab edge insulation is specified,
• framing stage, prior to external wrap,
• framing stage, windows, external wrap and insulation installed but prior to internal wrap,
• preliminary blower door test and
• final blower door test.

A brief written report is issued after each site inspection. These do not replace the inspections that are legally required as part of the Construction Certification/Building Permit. Fixed fee per inspection.

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PH certification

Compiling all required documentation and photographs and submitting to the Passivhaus certifier. This relies on the contractor visually documenting their work throughout the build and all trades supplying as-built plans. A list of any changes to specified products (approved before use) must be supplied. Final update to the PHPP file to reflect final built outcomes, blower test results and commissioning of building systems. Hourly rates.

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