Master your Passivhaus skills
Passivhaus Designer - Classroom Course
Join us for five full days of low-energy building design with excellent knowledge of the core concepts behind the Passivhaus standard, considerations and methodologies for implementation and using the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP10) for achieving low-energy performance.
These seven modules for a total of 60 h are aimed at all building professionals, including architects, engineers, sustainability consultants, contractors and builders.
You need to have some very basic knowledge of building physics and be able to use Microsoft® Excel.
What is also included?
Digital copy of both the training manual notes with over 1,500 pages and the PHPP10 ebook.
Full access to the online self-directed exam preparation course with learning support and personalised reviews from our dedicated expert trainers.
Your own fully-registered copy of the latest version of the Passive House energy modelling software (PHPP Version 10.4).
A download link to a student version of the 3-d modelling tool ‘DesignPH’. If you enjoy that tool, you can buy the full version directly from us with with a 15% discount.
Official Passive House Institute learning material.
Manchester, 9th - 13th September 2024
Course Structure
This accredited course comprises six modules, practical workshops, and an exam preparation exercise. The contents of this course are the official material published by the Passive House Institute, with practical examples from UK certified projects and include the following:
ON-DEMAND - PASSIVHAUS BASICS (10 h)
① Introductory online module
This on-demand online and self-paced module allows the participants to understand the five Passivhaus principles and provides an introduction to building physics and thermodynamics.
FULL INTENSIVE WEEK (40 h)
② Building Envelope (8 h - day 1)
In the first-in-class module, you will learn all about insulation materials, airtight design, thermal bridge-free details and windows for Passivhaus design.
In addition, we will understand the building fabric impact on the heating demand.
③ Building Services (8 h - day 2)
In this in-class module, you will learn best practices in mechanical ventilation systems focusing on components, strategies and optimised designs.
In the afternoon, you will learn about strategies for heating, cooling and provision of efficient DHW systems.
④ PHPP: Construction Systems & Windows (8 h - day 3)
In this in-class module, you will learn advanced knowledge of typical timber, steel and masonry UK construction systems and their impact on buildability and thermal performance with Ubakus Pro.
In the afternoon, we will start to model the thermal envelope of a single family home with PHPP 10.
⑤ PHPP: Mechanical Services (8h - day 4)
In this in-class module, you will learn in-depth knowledge of mechanical ventilation systems for single family homes and how to optimise the ventilation design within the PHPP 10 package.
In the afternoon, we will continue the energy building simulation for the rest of the mechanical services: domestic hot water, heating, cooling and primary energy demand.
⑥ Retrofit and Basics of Economics (8 h - day 5)
In this in-class module, you will learn in-depth knowledge of EnerPHit as the Passivhaus standard for retrofit projects and critical considerations when insulating internally.
In the afternoon, we will look at the economic side of the Passivhaus project. We will cover concepts such as the payback period, the present value method, the annuity method application, the Life cycle assessment and the advantages of calculating the price of each kilowatt-hour saved independently of energy prices.
ON-LINE - PASSIVHAUS EXERCISES (10 h)
⑦ Self paced online workbook
After taking part of the in person course, the participant will receive an exercise book with examples of real projects. The aim is to reinforced the learning content and applied it to real cases.
Certified Passivhaus Designer Exam
This optional Certified Passive House Designer / Consultant Online Exam and self-paced preparation module is specifically designed to thoroughly prepare you for successfully passing the exam.
The exam lasts 3 hours and consists of multiple choice questions, calculation exercises, input in PHPP-like tables and a design task exercise. The exam is based on these learning targets covered in the course.
The exam has limited seating for 16 people only.
PHI exam fees are £395.
Exam: Online, 28th October 2024
Prerequisites and audience
The Designer course is for those wishing to model, design, and dive into the calculation of Passive projects. It involves theory and calculations and applying all to low-energy architecture.
Intended Audience: Architects, engineers, sustainability consultants, developers, self-builders and other building professionals.
Your lead instructor
Jesus Menendez
His professional and academic experience includes consultancy, civil engineering, authoring technical papers and articles, course provider and visiting lecturer, and he has conducted past research at UK and NZ Universities. He also has a deep knowledge of non-destructive testing and is partnered with Blowerdoor GmbH and Greenteg.
Jesus, as the director of Zero Energy, provides Passivhaus building certification, testing and training services to the building sector worldwide. Before setting up the company, Jesus also works as a structural engineer for CLT and Timber Frame structures. The connection to Passivhaus came with completing a PhD in Low-energy and Passivhaus Timber Frame Buildings.