Build Better with Passivhaus Consultancy Services

If you're planning to build a home that’s warm, healthy, and energy-efficient, Passivhaus is the gold standard. We offer specialist house build consultancy services for homeowners, builders, and design teams who want to create better-performing homes from the ground up.

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What is Passivhaus?

Passivhaus (also known as Passive House) is a building standard focused on energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term performance.

These homes use very little energy for heating or cooling while providing a constant indoor temperature and excellent air quality all year round. Passivhaus isn't just a trend, but it’s a proven method used in thousands of homes across Europe and beyond. If you're building a new home or improving an existing one, aiming for Passivhaus can reduce your energy bills, improve comfort, and lower your carbon footprint.

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Why You Need a Passivhaus Consultant

Planning an energy-efficient build involves more than choosing the right materials. It’s making sure every element, from design and insulation to ventilation and airtightness, works together. That’s where our energy-efficient house building consultancy comes in.

We help you:

Understand what’s needed to achieve Passivhaus certification

Avoid costly design or build mistakes

Make informed decisions from start to finish

Meet your energy efficiency goals without compromising on design

From initial planning to completion, our Passivhaus consultancy services support your entire building journey.

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Who We Work With

Our expert advice for house builders is ideal for:

Self-builders

Who want to create a low-energy home

Architects and Designers

Who are looking for Passivhaus support

Main contractors and Builders

Who need advice on materials, detailing, and airtightness

Developers

Who aim to meet building standards and future-proof their properties

If you're building your dream home or working on a residential development, we’re here to help you get it right.

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What’s Included in Our Passivhaus Consultancy Services

Every build is different, which is why our service is flexible. We shape our support based on your needs, the stage of your build, and the level of certification you’re targeting. Here’s what our house build consultancy services typically include:

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1

Initial Consultation and Project Review

We’ll go over your plans, goals, and site constraints to understand your vision. We’ll identify what’s needed to achieve Passivhaus performance and help you decide how far you want to go—certified or just performance-led.

2

Preparation

At the design stage, small decisions have a big impact. We provide practical design advice including:

Orientation and layout for solar gain
Insulation strategies and U-value targets
Minimising thermal bridges
Specifying airtight materials and build-ups

3

Preparation

The Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) is essential for design validation. We carry out PHPP assessments to help you:

Test and optimise your building’s performance
Check compliance with Passivhaus criteria
Adjust your design for better results

4

Airtightness and Ventilation Guidance

Passivhaus homes must be airtight—but that doesn’t mean stuffy. We guide you on:

Airtight detailing and installation methods
Choosing and sizing MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) systems
Avoiding common build errors that impact air quality and performance

5

On-Site Support

Getting things right on-site is critical. We offer:

Site visits and progress checks
Support for trades and contractors
Advice on managing insulation, windows, membranes, and airtight layers

6

Certification Advice

If you're aiming for official Passivhaus certification, we can help you work with an accredited certifier and make sure all required documents, tests, and details are in place.

WHY US

Why Choose Alpha Insulation for Passivhaus Consultancy?

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Proven Experience with New Builds and Retrofits

Our experience with completed projects allows us to provide recommendations that are grounded in practical application.

Clear, Informed Advice

Our guidance is straightforward and based on a solid understanding of Passivhaus principles, helping you make confident decisions.

Local Expertise

We understand how to apply Passivhaus standards within the context of Irish housing, climate, and regulatory requirements.

Practical, Cost-Conscious Solutions

We help you balance energy targets, material selection, and buildability to ensure long-term value and performance.

Benefits of Working with a Passivhaus Consultant

By working with Alpha Insulation, you can:

Avoid costly mistakes and delays

Improve your home’s energy rating and value

Lower long-term running costs

Create a healthier and more comfortable home

Build with confidence, knowing that every detail has been considered

If you're going for full Passivhaus certification or simply want to meet near-Passivhaus levels of performance, our energy-efficient house building consultancy service will help you make better decisions from day one.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions - Passivhaus Consultancy

What are the downsides of Passivhaus?

Passivhaus construction often entails higher upfront costs due to specialized components and meticulous building. It demands expert design and execution, making it more complex than standard builds. A key reliance is on Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems, which require regular maintenance and proper installation. There's also a potential overheating risk in summer if not designed correctly, and homeowners need to understand how to operate the system for optimal performance.

How much does a Passivhaus cost?

Building a Passivhaus generally costs 5% to 15% more upfront than a standard new build. While initial costs are higher due to specialized materials and precise construction, these are usually offset by significantly lower long-term energy bills.

What are the 5 principles of Passivhaus?

The 5 principles of Passivhaus are:

Thermal Insulation – High levels of insulation to reduce heat loss.
Airtightness – Minimal air leakage to improve energy efficiency.
Thermal Bridge-Free Design – Avoiding weak points where heat can escape.
High-Performance Windows – Triple-glazed, well-sealed windows.
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) – Fresh air with minimal heat loss.

What are the cost savings of building a Passivhaus compared to a standard home?

A Passivhaus can reduce energy bills by up to 90% compared to a typical home, thanks to its ultra-low energy demand for heating and cooling. While upfront costs may be slightly higher, long-term savings on energy and maintenance often outweigh the initial investment.

Let’s Build Better Homes Together

If you’re planning an energy-efficient home, our house build consultancy services offer clear, honest advice to help you build warmer, smarter, and more comfortable homes, without the fluff.

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