Passive House Solutions for Future-Ready Homes.

Welcome to Sustainable Comfort. At AT-ECO, we provide Passive House-compliant windows and doors for those building ultra-efficient homes or upgrading to low-energy living. This page introduces the principles of Passive House design and how our high-performance products support your project's energy goals.

Passive House Building with High-Performance Windows

What Is a Passive House?

A Passive House is a voluntary building standard focused on extreme energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality. Developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany, this standard reduces heating and cooling energy demand by up to 90% compared to conventional buildings.

A Passive House relies on:

  • High-performance insulation
  • Airtight construction
  • Triple-glazed windows and insulated doors
  • Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)
  • Thermal bridge-free detailing

How to Plan a Passive House Project

  • Evaluate your site: Orientation, shading, and natural ventilation potential.
  • Design airtight and well-insulated building envelope.
  • Choose Passive House-certified windows and doors (see our product range below).
  • Integrate MVHR systems for air quality and energy recovery.
  • Eliminate thermal bridges in all construction joints.
  • Conduct PHPP modelling or SAP assessments for UK compliance.
  • Install using certified professionals to ensure standards are met.

Benefits of Passive House Design

  • Lower Energy Bills: Exceptional insulation slashes heating and cooling needs.
  • Consistent Comfort: No cold spots, drafts, or overheating.
  • Healthier Air: Fresh air via MVHR systems, filtered and humidity-controlled.
  • Environmental Impact: Drastically reduced operational carbon footprint.
  • Property Value: High-efficiency homes attract future-focused buyers.

Building Requirements

Metric Requirement
Space Heating Demand ≤ 15 kWh/m²/year
Primary Energy Demand ≤ 120 kWh/m²/year
Airtightness ≤ 0.6 air changes/hour @50Pa
Window U-Value ≤ 0.80 W/m²K (recommended)

Additional criteria include thermal bridge-free detailing and high-performance fenestration.

Passive House Window & Door Products

Reynaers

  • MasterLine 10 – Aluminium system designed for Passive House-level thermal performance

Schüco

  • AWS 90.SI+ – Robust aluminium system with advanced insulation zones

Drutex

  • IGLO EDGE – Slim-profile uPVC window with excellent thermal performance
  • IGLO ENERGY / CLASSIC / ALUCOVER – Triple-glazed Passive House-ready profiles with uPVC or aluclad finishes

Quick Comparison

Product U-Value (W/m²K) Glazing Frame Material Passive Certified
Internorm HF510 ~0.72 Triple Timber-Aluminium Yes
Internorm KF410 ~0.71 Triple uPVC-Aluminium Yes
Drutex IGLO ENERGY ~0.71 Triple uPVC Yes
Reynaers MasterLine 10 ~0.80 Triple Aluminium Yes
Schüco AWS 90.SI+ ~0.79 Triple Aluminium Yes

Passive House or EnerPHit?

Passive House is intended for new builds. EnerPHit is the equivalent standard for retrofits, allowing flexibility while maintaining rigorous performance standards. AT-ECO supports both.

Common Misconceptions

  • "Passive Houses are stuffy."
    → MVHR systems ensure continuous fresh air.
  • "They're only for cold climates."
    → Passive House design principles adapt to any climate.
  • "They're too expensive."
    → Long-term energy savings offset initial costs, often within 8–12 years.

Glossary of Key Terms

  • U-Value (W/m²K) – Indicates thermal transmittance; the lower the value, the better the insulation.
  • MVHR – Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery, key for maintaining air quality and conserving energy.
  • Thermal Bridge – An area in the construction envelope that transfers heat or cold more easily, often causing energy loss.
  • Airtightness (ACH50) – The rate of air leakage at 50 Pascals; Passive House requires ≤ 0.6 ACH.
  • PHPP – Passive House Planning Package, a modelling tool used for design and certification.

Why Choose AT-ECO?

We’ve delivered Passive House installations across Sevenoaks, Kent, and other exposed rural sites requiring rigorous energy standards.

Recent Work

Working closely with architects, builders, and homeowners, we’ve delivered systems that combine thermal efficiency, modern aesthetics, and long-term durability—across private residences, sustainable developments, and architect-led designs.

Expert Advice & Insights

Stay informed with detailed material comparisons, installation tips, and practical maintenance strategies designed to maximise the longevity and performance of your windows and doors.

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Build It Live South East

Yes, we recommend booking an appointment to ensure personalised service and availability. You can schedule your visit by filling out our contact form or emailing us at [email protected].

During your visit, our team will guide you through our range of premium window and door systems. We’ll answer your questions, help you explore customisation options, and assist in finding the perfect solution for your project.

Absolutely! Bringing your project plans or drawings can help our team better understand your needs and provide tailored recommendations.

Our knowledgeable team is here to help. Whether you need advice on materials, styles, or energy efficiency, we’ll guide you through the process and ensure you make an informed decision.

Ready to transform your home?

Our experienced team provides bespoke window designs and precision installations, ensuring every detail complements your architectural style.

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