If you’ve read our previous insight on Passivhaus, you’ll know that “Passivhaus Planning Package”, or PHPP, is the software we use to analyse the predicted performance of a building during the design phase. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be used exclusively for Passivhaus projects, so here at ep architects we tend to use this great tool on all our projects to inform the design at the earliest possible stage.

Unlike other building physics software that use dynamic modelling (and are extremely detailed and complex) and rely on a more detailed design, the simplicity of PHPP makes it a very effective design tool at all scales, and it can be used in a very interactive way, without stifling creativity.

This isn’t to say that more advanced environmental modelling software (including IES, CFD, Tas and others with which we are familiar) doesn’t have its place, especially for more complex scenarios, but any novice that has tried to use IES VE definitely knows what it’s like to bang their head against the proverbial wall.

When designing in parallel with PHPP, changing the size of windows, the thickness of insulation or the amount of shading, provides you with instant feedback on the building’s performance. This can be especially useful for retrofit projects that might have a limited budget, by assessing which changes would give you the most ‘bang for your buck’. As users of Revit (the same for ArchiCAD and other 3D CAD software), this feedback loop is particularly useful and easy to implement. In this regard we are always surprised that the use of PHPP is not adopted as the norm. But unless a member of the design team has learnt it during sustainable construction study, a module at university, or you practice Passivhaus principles you may never have even heard of it!

It does have its limitations, and as a designer, you would still have to understand the construction, junctions, thermal bridges, dew point etc. and ensure that the variables you are inputting are as accurate as possible to obtain the best results. The latter is especially important for a Passivhaus project, as the independent Assessor will review your PHPP documentation.

PHPP isn’t a substitute for a competent designer, but it’s another weapon in the arsenal in the drive to make your building as sustainable as possible.

Designing beyond just achieving Building Regulations is becoming a more regularly adopted approach, but for those practitioners that are not asked to do so or are simply not engaged with higher performance, low energy in life buildings it will remain a mystery. We would implore you all to investigate and adopt on your future projects.

Please do not be afraid to ask questions and discuss, whether you agree or disagree!

ep architects 

info@eparchitects.design