Architecture and interior design are fields that are increasingly concerned about global warming and sustainability. In this connection, one of the most important building standards is Passivhaus. In this blog post, we talk about the features of a Passive House and an amazing villa with this certificate that we can find in Spain.
What is Passivhaus?
Passivhaus or Passive House is a building standard focused on energy efficiency. This means that the buildings certified by the Passive House Institute barely waste heating and cooling energy thanks to a great insulation, they make an efficient use of the sun, they have a proper ventilation system and they are comfortable (good temperature, air quality, etc.).
In terms of energy efficiency, the Passivhaus standard is the most demanding worldwide. This idea was originated in 1988, with the first Passivhaus being built in 1990 in Darmstadt, Germany. Since then, hundreds of Passiv Houses have been built all around the world. In order to get the Passivhaus certification, the building must meet these requirements:
- Space Heating and Cooling Energy Demand: they can’t exceed 15 kWh per square meter of net living space per year.
- Renewable Primary Energy Demand: the total energy used must be lower than 60 kWh per square meter of treated floor area.
- Airtightness: a maximum of 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals pressure.
- Thermal confort: not more of 10% of the hours per year over 25ºC in all areas.
With this conditions, a Passive House saves up to 90% of cooling and heating if we compare with a typical building stock and up 75% compared with average new buildings.
Are there Passive Houses in Spain?
Yes, in Spain we can find several Passivhaus in different parts of the country. Not only we can find Passive Houses in the main cities of the country like Madrid or Barcelona, but also in places surrounded by nature.
Although they all meet the Passivhaus requirements and are energy-efficient houses, they all are different and the design, size and style varies from one to the other. Furthermore, some buildings are occupied and other are available for turistic rental.
Staying in a Passivhaus in Spain
In Home Sweet Home Villas we believe that sustainability is truly important. That’s why we are glad to have in our catalogue of luxury villas a Passivhaus you can stay in: La Ladera.
La Ladera is located in Valdoviño, Galicia, and it was built in 2017. It is in the top of a hillside, so the sea views from the house are amazing. Furthermore, thanks to its large windows, the natural light is very well used and the landscape seems to be part of the interior of the house.
Even though this Passivhaus is located in one of the coolest parts of Spain, it barely needs heating. Furthermore, regardless of the energy efficience conditions, this villa has a modern design and all the services you may need for a perfect stay.
It has two floors: in the main one, a suite, three double bedrooms, one single bedroom, lounge-dining room, kitchen, bathroom and a large terrace of 84 m2. On the ground floor, there is a bedroom, bathroom, games area, laundry room and garage. In total, the land is 8.000 m2.
If you want to know more about Galicia, you can take a look at our Galicia Travel Guide, it’s an amazing region of northern Spain!
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