Frequently Asked Questions
At Passive Housing, we get asked all types of questions and each and every question is a great one. We know the product inside and out and we’re delighted to answer any question that you may have.
Here are a few questions that we’ve received that perhaps you’ve been thinking about too.
What is a DPH Passive House made of?
The core building material is polystyrene. The giant blocks of polystyrene are attached together using glue to form outer walls and roof arches which sit on a raft concrete foundation. Key to the build is the Roman arch. The Roman arch is widely known for its supportive strength. A mesh envelope is used to hold the entire down.
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The roof is put on with regular batons, which is then covered with nylon mesh and a chemical render [Chemiplast] is applied, this helps keep the entire build anchored. Then it is counter battened and Slates/Tiles or Metal Sheets are applied. A double layer of Nylon Mesh and render coating is then applied outside and inside to the specially treated fire-retardant polystyrene blocks.
Can you damage it...with a hurling ball?
Can you guess what county this question came from?! The truth is that you can’t damage it with a hurling ball. The outside of the build is rendered and double meshed ,making it very robust [just like the external insulation fitted to cold concrete builds
Is it toxic?
Polystyrene was one of those materials that has become environmentally friendly because of its bulk and its imperishable. But this is the reason why it makes such a good eco house building material. It’s strong, fire repellent and is nontoxic, which is super for people who suffer from allergies.
Can you really build on land that concrete home can’t be built on?
Absolutely YES. This is one of the key benefits. It’s a million times lighter than concrete blocks and all the material required to build an entire house can be delivered in four truck loads.
Can you break it with a hammer?
Can you break concrete with a hammer? If you hit hard enough yes. The same can be said for a passive home house. Where there is intent, anything can happen – whether it’s a concrete home or a polystyrene built home.
How do you get the windows and doors in?
Simply put, you just cut it out with a heat knife. This is done by professionals who know what they are doing.
How long will it really take to build?
Once it arrives on site in Ireland, you can have a watertight house within a few weeks . The indoor trades can be organised to arrive on site within a short time later.
What’s the difference in price between a passive house and a concrete house-build?
At the moment, there isn’t much difference, even though the payback on your low to no energy bills will begin straight away.
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​That being said, our passive homes are built to an extremely high building standard and a much higher building spec. With new building regulations coming on board in the coming years, polystyrene built homes will be cheaper. And a BER A1, the poly homes are the highest energy saving standard attainable here in Ireland.
Can you put a fire into it?
There’s no allowance for an open fire in a Passive House .
How do you deal with the services?
Just as you normally would. There will be a false ceiling created within the design of the house to facilitate the HRV piping which will be connecting to each room, otherwise all electrics and plumbing will be done according to regulations.
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Matt Dooley
0878115914
Mark Cooper
0863909354
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