102 | Sang Architects T T Kelly Deeks Changing climate requires evolution The principles of passive house design are emerging as a critical solution for resilient and sustainable buildings. “We need buildings that don’t require excessive energy to run, and that provide healthy and comfortable environments, which support the people living in them.” ARCHITECTURE As climate change accelerates and energy efficiency becomes a global priority, the principles of passive house design are emerging as a critical solution for resilient and sustainable buildings. Auckland-based architect Darryl Sang, a leading advocate of the passivhaus movement, a certified passive house designer, and owner of Sang Architects, says the building industry must rapidly evolve to meet the demands of an increasingly volatile environment. “Passive house is incredibly important, especially as we face climate change,” Darryl says. “We need buildings that don’t require excessive energy to run, and that provide healthy and comfortable environments, which support the people living in them.” The passive house standard, originally developed in Germany in the late 1980s, is rooted in rigorous building science and focuses on five key principles: continuous thermal insulation, high-performance windows, balanced air ventilation with heat recovery, elimination of thermal bridges, and airtight construction. These elements work together to create homes and buildings that require minimal heating or cooling, leading to vastly reduced energy consumption and superior indoor air quality. For Darryl, who initially trained as a chemical and materials engineer before pursuing architecture, passive house was a revelation. “I came across it 10 years ago and thought, ‘What have we been doing? What has the building code been doing?’ Once you understand the benefits of passive house, you can’t go back.” He explains that passive house design doesn’t just keep homes warm in winter; it also prevents overheating in summer – a growing issue as global temperatures rise. “Currently, the building code might require double-glazing and a certain level of insulation, but they don’t consider factors like building orientation, window placement, or shading. Two identical houses built side by side could perform completely differently, depending on how they are positioned.” Darryl’s deep-rooted passion for architecture comes from both scientific curiosity and family legacy. His father, Ron Sang, was one of New Zealand’s most renowned architects. “We worked together for 25 years. Sustainability came along late in his career, but his architecture, like all good architecture, was always about responding to the environment.” Despite its clear benefits, passive house adoption in New Zealand has been slow, largely due to our entrenched building practices. “We’ve been constructing buildings a certain way for so long that it’s hard to shift mindsets, but the industry is changing along with the world. The people who were ahead of the curve a decade ago are even further ahead now.” Darryl says high-performance buildings shouldn’t come at the cost of great design, and while passive house is about building performance, it also needs to be integrated with inspiring and practical architecture. “We do both in-house, combining analytical expertise with creative design.” With recent updates to New Zealand’s building code inching closer to passive house standards, change is on the horizon, and for Darryl and Sang Architects, the future of architecture is clear. “Buildings must be designed for performance, comfort, and longevity. “Whether it’s a home, office, school, or supermarket, passive house gives us the tools to create spaces that truly support the people who use them.” NEW ZEALAND MADE www.optimalwindows.co.nz
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