Passivhaus windows are becoming an increasingly important part of low-energy home design as energy efficiency standards continue to tighten and homeowners place greater value on comfort, sustainability and long-term running costs.
At Burgess Windows and Doors, we work with a carefully selected range of manufacturers whose products can be specified to meet Passivhaus standards, helping clients achieve exceptional thermal performance without compromising on design.
This guide explains what Passivhaus is, why glazing plays such a critical role, and which window and door systems Burgess supplies are suitable for Passivhaus-level projects.
Passivhaus, also known as Passive House, is a rigorous building standard that focuses on dramatically reducing energy demand rather than relying on bolt-on technologies.
A Passivhaus building is designed to:
To achieve this, Passivhaus projects typically meet targets around:
It is important to note that Passivhaus is a whole-building standard. Windows and doors are a key component, but performance also depends on insulation, ventilation, detailing and installation quality.
In the UK, the standard is promoted and supported by the Passivhaus Trust, which provides guidance on low-energy building design and best practice.
For homeowners, Passivhaus performance translates into:
For designers and self-builders, it means:
For both new builds and retrofit projects, carefully selected Passivhaus windows play a key role in achieving consistent comfort and reduced energy demand.
Windows and doors are often the weakest point in the thermal envelope, but when specified correctly, they become one of the biggest contributors to comfort and efficiency.
Passivhaus-suitable glazing typically focuses on:
Just as importantly, glazing must be selected in response to orientation and solar gain, ensuring winter heat is captured while summer overheating is controlled.
Choosing the right Passivhaus windows is essential for maintaining airtightness, thermal efficiency and long-term comfort in a low-energy home.
Burgess supplies a range of composite windows designed to deliver excellent thermal performance for low-energy and Passivhaus projects.
Burgess works with a number of manufacturers whose products are frequently specified on Passivhaus and ultra-low-energy homes, either as certified systems or as part of a Passivhaus-compliant design when detailed correctly.
Internorm is widely recognised as one of the leading manufacturers for Passivhaus projects.
Their window and door systems are designed from the outset with:
Internorm products are often the first choice for clients pursuing full Passivhaus certification or EnerPHit retrofit standards, offering confidence where performance targets are strict.
Rationel’s Scandinavian heritage places strong emphasis on energy efficiency, comfort and durability.
Their triple-glazed window systems are well suited to low-energy and Passivhaus-standard homes, particularly where:
When specified and installed as part of a fabric-first approach, Rationel windows are commonly used on high-performance new builds.
VELFAC combines slim, contemporary aesthetics with impressive thermal performance through its composite timber-aluminium systems.
Key benefits for Passivhaus-level projects include:
VELFAC systems are particularly popular on architect-designed homes where design intent and energy performance must work together.
Large glazed openings can be incorporated into Passivhaus projects when carefully designed and detailed.
Solarlux systems are often specified on Passivhaus and low-energy homes where:
These systems require expert specification and installation, something Burgess supports from early design stages.
As the UK continues to move towards tighter energy regulations and improved building quality, Passivhaus principles are increasingly influencing mainstream construction.
Looking ahead to 2026:
Even where full Passivhaus certification is not the end goal, many projects now aim to get as close as possible to Passivhaus standards, particularly when investing in premium glazing.
Burgess has a long-standing heritage in the building industry and extensive experience supporting:
We understand that achieving Passivhaus performance is not about selecting a product in isolation. It is about choosing the right system, specifying it correctly, and installing it with precision.
Our role is to guide clients through that process, balancing performance targets, design intent and practical build considerations.
When specifying Passivhaus windows, it is essential to consider whole-window performance, airtight installation and long-term thermal efficiency.
If you are planning a project and aiming for Passivhaus certification, or simply want to achieve the highest possible levels of comfort and efficiency, the Burgess team is here to help.
Share your drawings, performance targets or early design ideas with us, and we will help you identify the most suitable window and door systems for your project.
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