Thermal bridge free construction is a building technique that focuses on minimising the number of areas where heat is lost in a building. This is particularly important for passive houses, where energy efficiency is a key goal. Thermal bridges are areas of a building where heat is lost, such as around windows, at corners, and at joints between different building elements. By reducing the number of thermal bridges, a building can be made more energy efficient, resulting in improved indoor comfort, lower energy bills, and a more sustainable building.

What is Thermal Bridge Free Construction?

Thermal bridge free construction is a method of designing and building buildings that minimises the number of areas where heat is lost, also known as thermal bridges. Thermal bridges occur when there is a direct path for heat to escape from a building, such as around windows or at corners where two walls meet. This can result in significant energy losses, reducing the overall energy efficiency of a building. By reducing the number of thermal bridges, a building can be made more energy efficient, which is especially important in passive houses.

What are the benefits of Thermal Bridge Free Construction?

There are several key benefits to using thermal bridge free construction in passive houses, including:

1. Improved Indoor Comfort: By minimising the number of thermal bridges, a building can retain more heat, resulting in a more comfortable indoor environment.
2. Lower Energy Bills: By reducing the amount of heat that is lost through thermal bridges, a building will require less energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, resulting in lower energy bills.
3. Increased Energy Efficiency: Thermal bridge free construction helps to increase the overall energy efficiency of a building, making it more environmentally friendly and reducing its carbon footprint.
4. Improved Air Quality: By reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, thermal bridge free construction can also improve indoor air quality, as there is less need for heating and cooling systems that can introduce pollutants into the air.

What materials are used in Thermal Bridge Free Construction?

1. There are several materials commonly used in thermal bridge free construction, including:
   Suitable materials will generally have low thermal conductivity, these include timber timber products, plastic, fiberglass EPS and XPS.
2. High-Performance Windows: High-performance windows are designed to be more energy-efficient than standard windows and minimise thermal bridges, as they have a better sealing and insulation than traditional windows.
3. Continuous Insulation: Continuous insulation is a layer of insulation that is placed continuously throughout a building, without any breaks or joints. This helps to minimise thermal bridges, as there are no areas where heat can escape.
4. Air Tightness: Air tightness is a measure of how much air can enter or escape a building. By reducing air tightness, a building can be made more energy efficient, as there are fewer areas where heat can escape.

What are the cost considerations in Thermal Bridge Free Construction?

The cost of installing thermal bridge free construction will depend on several factors, including the size of the building, the materials used, and the complexity of the design. In general, the initial cost of installing thermal bridge free construction can be higher than standard construction methods, but the long-term energy savings can make it a cost-effective investment over time.
Additionally, many governments offer tax incentives or subsidies for building energy-efficient buildings, which can help offset the initial cost of installing thermal bridge free construction. It is important to work with professional consultants and contractors who have experience in building energy-efficient buildings.

Thermal bridge free construction is an important aspect of passive house design that provides numerous benefits, including improved energy efficiency, overall comfort levels and reduced risk of mold and condensation. With a variety of materials and cost considerations to choose from, it is possible to find a solution that meets the specific needs of your building. Whether you are building a new home or retrofitting an existing structure, investing in thermal bridge free construction is a step towards creating a healthier, more sustainable living environment.

Learn more in our Passive House FAQ