Why Passive Houses?

In the last few years, building technology has achieved revolutionary advancements, which have been barely noticed by many. Visionary researchers, similar to the Passive House Institute in Darmstadt, have been working for over 25 years on all facets of improving modern home building. The greatest advancements have been made in the areas of air quality, building quality, ecological and environmental protection, - a case in point is the current possible reduction of heating energy loads by over 90% to fewer than 15 kWh/m²a. The valuable and very specific know-how is granted only to the members of the Institute. In Austria, this is the company Holzbau Themessl, (Einoede near Villach, Carinthia). Through permanent training, development and practice, Themessl has become the leading Passive House specialist in Austria, and the only know-how bearer with scientific thoroughness in south Austria.

Carinthia’s first Passive Houses

In 1999, the first passive houses were completed in Carinthia. Mostly insiders, such as doctors, researchers or alternative people, who had learned about these dramatic changes in the building sector, contracted with Themessl to conceptualise, plan and complete buildings. Today, Carinthia can present reference projects, which are in the position to demonstrate the building theories, to prove the scientific promises and to noticeably sense the special advantages of living comfort.