If The Modern House had a Word of the Year, then Passivhaus would probably be it. Passivhaus emerged as a set of design principles in the 1980s and has come to represent the world-leading standard in energy-efficient homes. It guarantees a happy balance of sustainability and comfort, energy efficiency and ultra-low energy bills and it does this by adhering to five key principles: high-quality insulation, airtightness, heat control and effective windows, heat recovery ventilation and thermal-bridge-free design.

Increasingly, it has become the ultimate aspiration for many design-oriented homeowners. We are seeing more homes come to market that adhere to Passivhaus principles. Some even lay claim to that Wonkaesque certificate. Even our latest Homing In film features a stunning certified Passivhaus stitched into a Georgian walled garden.

It is, undeniably, a gold-standard that requires time, effort and money to achieve. It’s also a system that has been devised for carefully designed new-build homes. It is almost (but not quite) impossible to achieve in an existing house. Which is where our Green Series come in …

Design writer Kate Jacobs has asked a panel of experts to suggest how to go about applying the five key principles of Passivhaus design to our own less-than-perfectly-constructed homes. Over the coming days, we’ll share the tips and tricks that will make your home a more comfortable and energy-efficient place to live. Watch this (green) space …

The Green Series #1: an insiders’ guide to insulation

The Green Series #2: how to control heat and draught-proof your home

The Green Series #3: how to make your home airtight

The Green Series #4: how to make your home breathable and thermal-bridge free