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Passivhaus & MVHR - New Build

Specialists in Passivhaus MVHR Projects


244 Compliant Passivhaus Installations

Over the past year, HRV Group has successfully completed several specialist Passivhaus MVHR installations in and around London. 

Developed in Germany, Passivhaus requires buildings to have extremely low heating and cooling demands, achieved through a combination of super insulation, airtight construction and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). 

Several prominent developers and local authorities are embracing passivhaus principles in new build developments.

Passivhaus in the UK

Over the past decade, the UK has increased in the adoption of Passivhaus standards, particularly in larger-scale developments. As of 2023, the UK has over 2,900 fully certified Passivhaus buildings, with an additional 8,530 units reported to be under development. 

This growth is attributed to an increasing number of large scale PassivHaus developments, espeically within the Social Sector, including an award winning 93 Passivhaus development by Norwich City Council.  The London Borough of Camden and Newham are also progiressing with developments of around 700 Passivhaus and energy efficient homes

MVHR in Passivhaus

MVHR plays a crucial role in an airtight home by continuously supplying fresh, filtered air while recovering heat from outgoing stale air - maintaining a stable indoor climate. It is essential for an accredited MVHR unit to be used, offering additional features and certified performance for highly efficient homes. 

The Passivhaus certification process for MVHR units requires them to meet strict performance and efficiency standards set by the Passivhaus Institute (PHI):

Plashet Road

HRV Project - Supply, Install and Commission

Architect Levitt Berstein designed a new build social housing development for the London Borough of Newham

  • 62 Passivhaus New Build Dwellings
  • MVHR Unit: Envirovent EnergiSava 320 Passivhaus Certified 
  • Ducting: Ubbink Air Excellence Semi-Rigid Ducting
See more projects

Hartopp & Lannoy Point

HRV Project - Supply, Install and Commission

A new build development in London for Hammersmith and Fulham Council, delivering the highest quality MVHR installations;

  • 134 Passivhaus New Build Dwellings – 84% of which will be affordable and prioritised for local residents
  • MVHR Unit: Zehnder ComfoAir Passivhaus certified
  • ComfoClime, providing enhanced comfort to comply with Part O: Overheating
  • Ducting: Domus Rigid PVC 
See more of our projects

Burgoynes Depot

HRV Project - Supply, Install and Commission

Passivhaus Certified New Build Development for London Borough of Newham - focus on reucing carbon emissions and improving indoor comfort.

  • 48 apartments (19 for shared ownership and 29 for affordable rent)
  • MVHR Unit: Zehnder ComforAir Passivhaus Certified
  • Ducting: Domus Rigid PVC
See more of our projects

MVHR Passivhaus Installation

Eliminating air leakage is an absolute requirement

The key to success lies in merticulous attention to detail -  a high quality installation is non-negotiable! Collaborate with architects and contractors to ensure the design can be achieved onsite and train the team to fully understand the precision and airtightness requiremnts for Passivhaus.

Key focuses include:

Thermal Insulation

In Passivhaus, insulation is essential as it ensures that pre-heated or cooled air maintains its temperature, reducing energy demand and maintaining indoor comfort levels year-round.

Ensure the duct is completely vapour sealed if insulating onsite and follow the consultant specification specfically - across a single MVHR system install there may be differing levels of insulation required for ducting.

Air Tightness

To maintain the critical airtightness required for Passivhaus certification, we seal all external penetrations with precision. 

Grommets are used to provide an airtight and durable seal where ductwork exits the building, eliminating unwanted air leakage and preserving system efficiency.

Secure Installation

In Passivhaus installations, it is important to secure strap banding techniques to fasten ductwork without compressing the insulation, preventing thermal bridging and maintaining integrity.

Follow The Design!

The MVHR system calculations are crucial in Passivhaus developments when you get to site. 

Follow the design to the t! - this includes using the certified MVHR unit specified and the ducting routes designed.  EIements such as shortened external duct runs that help to minimise energy loss and exposure to external temperature fluctuations will be included. 

Passivhaus Accredited MVHR

The Passivhaus certification process for MVHR units requires products to meet strict performance and efficiency standards set by the Passivhaus Institute (PHI).
A growing range of certified units are available for your Passivhaus development - we have experience with most!

Zehnder ComforAir Q Range

1. Three models offering a range of airflow rates
2. 96% Heat Recovery Efficiency
3. Suitable for homes 250-350m2
4. Low noise levels - 28DB @3m across range
5. Integrated pre-heater

Envirovent Energisava Range

1. Two models for varying airflow performance
2. 89% Heat Recovery Efficiency
3. Suitable for homes up to 125m2 - 275m2
4. Low noise levels levels of 44 dB(A) – 48 dB(A)
5. Integrated bypass and pre heater

Ubbink Vigor Range

1. Five models for varying airflow performance
2. Up to 92% Heat Recovery Efficiency
3. Suitable for properties up 125m2 - 325m2
4. Low noise levels 39 dBA - 54 dBA
5. Integrated bypass and pre heater

Vent Axia Econiq Range

1. Three models offering a range of airflow rates
2. 86% Heat Recovery Efficiency
3. Suitable for homes up to 150m2 - 300m2
4. Low noise levels of 15.5dB at 3m
5. Integrated bypass and pre-heater

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