2.2.3 Plastered silicate block wall

For the thermal insulation of plastered façades, the best option is rock wool sheets with vertically oriented fibre structure or special boards for plastered façades. These boards are fixed with adhesives onto the brick or concrete wall. The plates are covered by reinforcing layer and finishing plaster coat. Mineral or silicate decorative plasters should be used for such façades because they have better permeability for water vapour, i.e. create breathing walls (Figure 1c).

2.3.2 Thermal insulation of a pitched roof

pitched roof and (d) thermal insulation of a flat roof.

Technical-Economic Research for Passive Buildings DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.85992

≤ 0.07 W/(m<sup>2</sup> K) [12] (Figure 2c).

2.3.3 Thermal insulation of a flat roof

3. Methods

109

Figure 2.

Rafters with bigger cross-section or glulam beams are used for pitched roof structure of a passive house. An auxiliary frame on the internal side is required to install an auxiliary thermal insulation layer and a tight vapour barrier, which in this system also serves as an air barrier. The vapour barrier is fixed to the bottom of the rafter. With the total thermal insulation layer of 550 mm, the U factor value is

Structural solutions for roofs: (a and b) thermal insulation of ceiling with an attic, (c) thermal insulation of a

The roof of a passive house must be made of at least three layers. We recommend a ventilated PAROC Air structural solution where the insulation part of the intermediate layer has ventilation channels. U value is ≤ 0.07 W/(m2 K) when the

Design solutions in construction can be evaluated by using different methods.

According to the number of criteria, they are divided into single-criteria and multiple-criteria evaluations. In single-criteria evaluation of construction design

thickness of thermal insulation layer is 550 mm (Figure 2d).

#### 2.3 Roof and floor alternative solutions

The building of a passive house also involves the choice between a flat and pitched roof. If a pitched roof is selected, then there is a choice between thermal insulation of the roof and insulation of the ceiling with a cold attic. As in the case of walls, additional weight and thickness of roof insulation material must be considered. For the insulation of the entire pitched roof, the rafter height can reach up to 400–500 mm. Composite glulam rafter goes across the entire width of the thermal insulation layer. For the insulation of ceiling, less thermal insulation material is required, and the beam height may be lower; however the spans between beams must be narrower. Ceiling can be insulated not only with sheets but also with bulk insulating materials. In flat roofs the load-bearing structure is made of reinforced concrete slabs. Thermal insulation is installed in several layers with ventilation channels.

#### 2.3.1 Thermal insulation of ceiling with an attic

Thermal insulation is made of three or more layers without any gaps between sheets and by overlapping the joints of the previous row (Figure 2a and b).

Technical-Economic Research for Passive Buildings DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.85992

#### Figure 2.

2.2.2 Glued laminated timber I-joist stud wall with brick finishing

wall with brick finishing and (c) plastered silicate block wall.

the thickness of thermal insulation layer is 420 mm [12].

meability for water vapour, i.e. create breathing walls (Figure 1c).

2.2.3 Plastered silicate block wall

Figure 1.

Zero and Net Zero Energy

2.3 Roof and floor alternative solutions

2.3.1 Thermal insulation of ceiling with an attic

channels.

108

Glued laminated timber (glulam) I-beam frame significantly reduces the impact of thermal bridges on the structure compared to the ordinary stud wall (Figure 1b). Thermal insulation made of PAROC WAS 25t sheets simultaneously serves as a wind barrier. This layer is fixed onto the studs. U value is ≤ 0.09 W/(m<sup>2</sup> K) when

Structural solutions for walls: (a) timber stud wall with sheet cladding, (b) glued laminated timber I-joist stud

For the thermal insulation of plastered façades, the best option is rock wool sheets with vertically oriented fibre structure or special boards for plastered façades. These boards are fixed with adhesives onto the brick or concrete wall. The plates are covered by reinforcing layer and finishing plaster coat. Mineral or silicate decorative plasters should be used for such façades because they have better per-

The building of a passive house also involves the choice between a flat and pitched roof. If a pitched roof is selected, then there is a choice between thermal insulation of the roof and insulation of the ceiling with a cold attic. As in the case of walls, additional weight and thickness of roof insulation material must be considered. For the insulation of the entire pitched roof, the rafter height can reach up to 400–500 mm. Composite glulam rafter goes across the entire width of the thermal insulation layer. For the insulation of ceiling, less thermal insulation material is required, and the beam height may be lower; however the spans between beams must be narrower. Ceiling can be insulated not only with sheets but also with bulk insulating materials. In flat roofs the load-bearing structure is made of reinforced concrete slabs. Thermal insulation is installed in several layers with ventilation

Thermal insulation is made of three or more layers without any gaps between

sheets and by overlapping the joints of the previous row (Figure 2a and b).

Structural solutions for roofs: (a and b) thermal insulation of ceiling with an attic, (c) thermal insulation of a pitched roof and (d) thermal insulation of a flat roof.

#### 2.3.2 Thermal insulation of a pitched roof

Rafters with bigger cross-section or glulam beams are used for pitched roof structure of a passive house. An auxiliary frame on the internal side is required to install an auxiliary thermal insulation layer and a tight vapour barrier, which in this system also serves as an air barrier. The vapour barrier is fixed to the bottom of the rafter. With the total thermal insulation layer of 550 mm, the U factor value is ≤ 0.07 W/(m<sup>2</sup> K) [12] (Figure 2c).

#### 2.3.3 Thermal insulation of a flat roof

The roof of a passive house must be made of at least three layers. We recommend a ventilated PAROC Air structural solution where the insulation part of the intermediate layer has ventilation channels. U value is ≤ 0.07 W/(m2 K) when the thickness of thermal insulation layer is 550 mm (Figure 2d).

#### 3. Methods

Design solutions in construction can be evaluated by using different methods. According to the number of criteria, they are divided into single-criteria and multiple-criteria evaluations. In single-criteria evaluation of construction design

solutions, construction costs of implementing alternative design solutions are calculated. The most effective alternative is selected according to this criterion [13]. However, construction projects and processes are multifaceted, complex and complicated. For this reason they are analysed by means of multiple-criteria decision-making. Construction projects and processes are multifaceted, complex and complicated.

Score 10 for construction time means that the structure was built in the shortest time compared to other analysed options. Other scores show relatively the difference between the construction time of the analysed options. Score 10 for the complexity of construction technology means that the technology of that option is the easiest and the most accessible compared to other options. Quality assurance shows how easy it is (more experience available) to install the structure of the analysed option. Score 10 means that it is easy, and score 1 shows that it is almost impossible. Score 10 for the elimination of thermal bridges means that thermal bridges are minimized in that option. Other evaluations show relatively how effectively thermal bridges are eliminated in the relevant structure. Thermal resistance factor shows how well heat is protected in that structure option compared to other options. The option with the best thermal resistance factor is scored 10, and other

The fourth step is the calculation of efficiency values taking into consideration the criterion importance. Utility values of different options are multiplied by the

where xij is the criterion i value for solution j, m is the number of criteria, n is the

In the fifth step, efficiency values of different criteria for all options are

The best option is selected in the sixth step. The best variant is found after comparing the efficiency values among the options. The option with the highest

Goal setting, design and construction processes together with the final construction product and the subsequent operation process form one entity. When separate processes (solutions) of a project improve or deteriorate, the viability of the remaining solutions as well as stakeholders'satisfaction level changes accordingly. Therefore, a precise evaluation and calculation of the effect of all changes on the eventual outcome are important. To this end a complex proportional assessment [13, 14] method is used. Meanwhile, the priority and significance of analysed options directly and proportionately depend on the system of adequately describing criteria, criteria values and significant values. The criteria system is selected, and criteria values as well as initial significance are calculated by experts. Stakeholders (contractor, users, etc.) may modify all this information according to their goals and present circumstances. Therefore, evaluation of the options presents in detail the initial data provided jointly by the experts and stakeholders. The priority and

significance of analysed alternatives are calculated in four steps [14, 15]:

1. A normalized decision matrix D is drawn. The goal of this step is to obtain dimensionless (normalized) estimated values from the compared criteria. When normalized estimated values are known, all indicators measured in different units can be compared. The calculation is done by using the formula

bij ¼ qi � xij, i ¼ 1, m; i ¼ 1, n (1)

bij, i ¼ 1, m; i ¼ 1, n (2)

options are scored according to their ability to retain heat.

Technical-Economic Research for Passive Buildings DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.85992

number of compared options and qi is criteria significance.

Nj ¼ ∑ m i¼1

where Nj is the efficiency value of the solution option.

efficiency value is the best solution.

3.2 COPRAS method

111

criterion importance:

summed up:

The following criteria were used in our case:


In this paper two evaluation methods were chosen: cost-benefit analysis and complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) method. Structures of energy efficiency class A house and passive house are compared. The main criteria for the evaluation of building structures are:


#### 3.1 Cost-benefit analysis

In this analysis qualitative characteristics are measured by an expertise method while giving the scores in the grading scale 1–10. Ten is the best score. The criteria are not equally important; therefore the importance of one criterion with respect to another criterion is considered. All calculations and data are presented in a matrix table. The alternative with the highest cost-benefit value N is selected. This method enables to compare the analysed alternative in a simple and fast manner [13].

The first step is to select criteria for selected options. Criteria of economic, technological and thermal parameters were selected in order to evaluate different structures. Economic criteria include the cost of material, labour costs, cost of machinery and construction time. Technological criteria include the complexity of construction technology and quality assurance. Thermal parameters of the structures include the thermal resistance of a structure and elimination of thermal bridges.

The second step is to measure the weight (importance) of different criteria. In this paper the best options of technical-economic solutions for a passive house and class A house are analysed; therefore the biggest significance is given to construction price and thermal parameters of the structures.

The third step is to find the utility values of different options and evaluate them by scoring from 1 to 10. Explanation of utility values (from 1 to 10):

Score 10 for the cost of materials, labour costs and cost of machinery means that the amount of money spent to build the structure is the lowest. Other scores show relatively the difference between the prices of the analysed options.

Technical-Economic Research for Passive Buildings DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.85992

solutions, construction costs of implementing alternative design solutions are calculated. The most effective alternative is selected according to this criterion [13]. However, construction projects and processes are multifaceted, complex and complicated. For this reason they are analysed by means of multiple-criteria decision-making. Construction projects and processes are multifaceted, complex

• Technical: structural reliability of the system, noise level, universality of the

• Economic: building site size, construction process duration, expenses and

In this paper two evaluation methods were chosen: cost-benefit analysis and complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) method. Structures of energy efficiency class A house and passive house are compared. The main criteria for the

• Thermal parameters of the structures (thermal resistance, thermal bridges)

In this analysis qualitative characteristics are measured by an expertise method while giving the scores in the grading scale 1–10. Ten is the best score. The criteria are not equally important; therefore the importance of one criterion with respect to another criterion is considered. All calculations and data are presented in a matrix table. The alternative with the highest cost-benefit value N is selected. This method enables to compare the analysed alternative in a simple and fast manner [13]. The first step is to select criteria for selected options. Criteria of economic, technological and thermal parameters were selected in order to evaluate different structures. Economic criteria include the cost of material, labour costs, cost of machinery and construction time. Technological criteria include the complexity of construction technology and quality assurance. Thermal parameters of the structures include the thermal resistance of a structure and elimination of thermal

The second step is to measure the weight (importance) of different criteria. In this paper the best options of technical-economic solutions for a passive house and class A house are analysed; therefore the biggest significance is given to construc-

The third step is to find the utility values of different options and evaluate them

Score 10 for the cost of materials, labour costs and cost of machinery means that the amount of money spent to build the structure is the lowest. Other scores show

• Technological (complexity of technology, quality assurance level)

building and degree of construction process mechanization

• Social: forms of labour organizations and motivation level

• Legal: environmental issues and occupational safety

The following criteria were used in our case:

and complicated.

Zero and Net Zero Energy

productivity

evaluation of building structures are:

3.1 Cost-benefit analysis

bridges.

110

• Economic (construction price, length)

tion price and thermal parameters of the structures.

by scoring from 1 to 10. Explanation of utility values (from 1 to 10):

relatively the difference between the prices of the analysed options.

Score 10 for construction time means that the structure was built in the shortest time compared to other analysed options. Other scores show relatively the difference between the construction time of the analysed options. Score 10 for the complexity of construction technology means that the technology of that option is the easiest and the most accessible compared to other options. Quality assurance shows how easy it is (more experience available) to install the structure of the analysed option. Score 10 means that it is easy, and score 1 shows that it is almost impossible.

Score 10 for the elimination of thermal bridges means that thermal bridges are minimized in that option. Other evaluations show relatively how effectively thermal bridges are eliminated in the relevant structure. Thermal resistance factor shows how well heat is protected in that structure option compared to other options. The option with the best thermal resistance factor is scored 10, and other options are scored according to their ability to retain heat.

The fourth step is the calculation of efficiency values taking into consideration the criterion importance. Utility values of different options are multiplied by the criterion importance:

$$b\_{\vec{\eta}} = q\_i \cdot \varkappa\_{\vec{\eta}}, i = \overline{1, m}; \; i = \overline{1, n} \tag{1}$$

where xij is the criterion i value for solution j, m is the number of criteria, n is the number of compared options and qi is criteria significance.

In the fifth step, efficiency values of different criteria for all options are summed up:

$$N\_j = \sum\_{i=1}^{m} b\_{ij}, i = \overline{1, m}; \; i = \overline{1, n} \tag{2}$$

where Nj is the efficiency value of the solution option.

The best option is selected in the sixth step. The best variant is found after comparing the efficiency values among the options. The option with the highest efficiency value is the best solution.

#### 3.2 COPRAS method

Goal setting, design and construction processes together with the final construction product and the subsequent operation process form one entity. When separate processes (solutions) of a project improve or deteriorate, the viability of the remaining solutions as well as stakeholders'satisfaction level changes accordingly. Therefore, a precise evaluation and calculation of the effect of all changes on the eventual outcome are important. To this end a complex proportional assessment [13, 14] method is used. Meanwhile, the priority and significance of analysed options directly and proportionately depend on the system of adequately describing criteria, criteria values and significant values. The criteria system is selected, and criteria values as well as initial significance are calculated by experts. Stakeholders (contractor, users, etc.) may modify all this information according to their goals and present circumstances. Therefore, evaluation of the options presents in detail the initial data provided jointly by the experts and stakeholders. The priority and significance of analysed alternatives are calculated in four steps [14, 15]:

1. A normalized decision matrix D is drawn. The goal of this step is to obtain dimensionless (normalized) estimated values from the compared criteria. When normalized estimated values are known, all indicators measured in different units can be compared. The calculation is done by using the formula Zero and Net Zero Energy

$$d\_{\vec{\imath}\vec{\jmath}} = \frac{\varkappa\_{\vec{\imath}\vec{\jmath}} \cdot q\_{\vec{\imath}}}{\sum\_{j=1}^{n} \varkappa\_{\vec{\imath}\vec{\jmath}}}, \ i = \overline{1, m}; \ i = \overline{1, n} \tag{3}$$

A monolithic slab is the most appropriate foundation for passive houses due to its closed insulation circuit. Another advantage is suitability for different soil types. Besides, water supply and sewerage systems, power cables, heating system and subfloor, or sometimes even the normal floor, are installed together with the pile foundation. To this end very precise drawings of the house are required with all engineering and utility systems planned in advance. No significant changes of the house design are possible at later stages of construction. This disadvantage is eliminated by good planning and deliberations about the future use of the house. A monolithic slab becomes the most economic variant after the price of ground floor installation is added to the strip or pile foundations. It is 76% cheaper than pile foundation with ground floor installation and twice cheaper than strip foundation

The analysed options of a passive house foundation structures are as follows: F1P, strip foundation together with the first storey floor; F2P, pile foundation

The analysed options of energy efficiency class A house foundation structures are as follows: F1, strip foundation with first storey floor; F2, pile foundation with first storey floor; and F3, concrete slab floor. The obtained results are presented in

The comparison of utility values among the foundation options showed that concrete slab floor received the highest scores both in a passive house and in

with ground floor installation.

Technical-Economic Research for Passive Buildings DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.85992

Figure 3.

Figure 3.

113

Comparison of the efficiency among foundation options.

4.1 Comparison of the efficiency among foundation options

together with the first storey floor; and F3P, concrete slab floor.

where xij is the criterion i value for solution j, m is the number of criteria, n is the number of compared options and qi is the criteria importance.

The sum of normalized estimated values ji d of each criterion xi is always equal to the importance qi of that criterion:

$$q\_i = \sum\_{j=1}^{n} d\_{ij}, \ i = \overline{1, m}; \ i = \overline{1, n} \tag{4}$$

The analysed criterion importance value qi is distributed proportionally to all alternatives aj with respect to their values xij.

2. The sums of normalized estimated minimizing (the lower value is better, e.g. price) criteria S�<sup>j</sup> and maximizing (the higher value is better, e.g. quality) criteria S+<sup>j</sup> that describe the alternative j are best calculated from the equation

$$\mathcal{S}\_{+j} = \sum\_{i=1}^{m} d\_{+ij}; \; \mathcal{S}\_{-j} = \sum\_{i=1}^{m} d\_{-ij}, \; i = \overline{1, m}; \; i = \overline{1, n} \tag{5}$$

In this case S+<sup>j</sup> and S�<sup>j</sup> values express the level of achieving the goals of the stakeholders of each alternative project. In any case the sums of "pluses" and "minuses" of all alternative projects are always equal to the sums of all maximizing and minimizing criteria values.

3. The relative significance (effectiveness) of compared options is found from their positive ("pluses" of the project) and negative ("minuses" of the project) characteristics. The relative significance Qj of each variant aj is found from the formula

$$Q\_j = \mathcal{S}\_{+j} + \frac{\mathcal{S}\_{-\min} \cdot \sum\_{j=1}^{n} \mathcal{S}\_{-j}}{\mathcal{S}\_{-j} \sum\_{j=1}^{n} \frac{\mathcal{S}\_{-\min}}{\mathcal{S}\_{-j}}}, j = \overline{\mathbf{1}, n} \tag{6}$$

4.The evaluated options are prioritized. The higher is the Qj value, the more effective the option is. The method allows to easily evaluate and then select the most feasible solution with a clear physical view of the process. A generalized (reduced) criterion Qj directly and proportionally depends on the relative influence of the compared criteria values xij and importance qi for the final result.

#### 4. Results and discussions

The comparison of different foundation options revealed that strip foundation is the most feasible for houses with basements built on very good soil conditions. Drilled piles are currently the most common foundation type due to economy and fast installation. However, the biggest disadvantage of this foundation for a passive house is the unavoidable thermal bridge at the pole and grade beam joints. Thermal insulation of these spots is almost impossible, and it is a doomed thermal bridge that should be avoided in a passive house.

Technical-Economic Research for Passive Buildings DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.85992

dij <sup>¼</sup> xij � qi ∑<sup>n</sup> <sup>j</sup>¼<sup>1</sup>xij

number of compared options and qi is the criteria importance.

qi ¼ ∑ n j¼1

dþij; S�<sup>j</sup> ¼ ∑

Qj ¼ Sþ<sup>j</sup> þ

the importance qi of that criterion:

Zero and Net Zero Energy

alternatives aj with respect to their values xij.

Sþ<sup>j</sup> ¼ ∑ m i¼1

and minimizing criteria values.

formula

result.

112

4. Results and discussions

should be avoided in a passive house.

where xij is the criterion i value for solution j, m is the number of criteria, n is the

The sum of normalized estimated values ji d of each criterion xi is always equal to

The analysed criterion importance value qi is distributed proportionally to all

2. The sums of normalized estimated minimizing (the lower value is better, e.g. price) criteria S�<sup>j</sup> and maximizing (the higher value is better, e.g. quality) criteria S+<sup>j</sup> that describe the alternative j are best calculated from the equation

> m i¼1

In this case S+<sup>j</sup> and S�<sup>j</sup> values express the level of achieving the goals of the stakeholders of each alternative project. In any case the sums of "pluses" and "minuses" of all alternative projects are always equal to the sums of all maximizing

3. The relative significance (effectiveness) of compared options is found from their positive ("pluses" of the project) and negative ("minuses" of the project) characteristics. The relative significance Qj of each variant aj is found from the

<sup>S</sup>�min � <sup>∑</sup><sup>n</sup>

<sup>S</sup>�<sup>j</sup>∑<sup>n</sup> j¼1 S�min S�j

4.The evaluated options are prioritized. The higher is the Qj value, the more effective the option is. The method allows to easily evaluate and then select the most feasible solution with a clear physical view of the process. A generalized (reduced) criterion Qj directly and proportionally depends on the relative influence of the compared criteria values xij and importance qi for the final

The comparison of different foundation options revealed that strip foundation is

the most feasible for houses with basements built on very good soil conditions. Drilled piles are currently the most common foundation type due to economy and fast installation. However, the biggest disadvantage of this foundation for a passive house is the unavoidable thermal bridge at the pole and grade beam joints. Thermal insulation of these spots is almost impossible, and it is a doomed thermal bridge that

<sup>j</sup>¼<sup>1</sup>S�<sup>j</sup>

, i ¼ 1, m; i ¼ 1, n (3)

dij, i ¼ 1, m; i ¼ 1, n (4)

d�ij, i ¼ 1, m; i ¼ 1, n (5)

, j ¼ 1, n (6)

A monolithic slab is the most appropriate foundation for passive houses due to its closed insulation circuit. Another advantage is suitability for different soil types. Besides, water supply and sewerage systems, power cables, heating system and subfloor, or sometimes even the normal floor, are installed together with the pile foundation. To this end very precise drawings of the house are required with all engineering and utility systems planned in advance. No significant changes of the house design are possible at later stages of construction. This disadvantage is eliminated by good planning and deliberations about the future use of the house. A monolithic slab becomes the most economic variant after the price of ground floor installation is added to the strip or pile foundations. It is 76% cheaper than pile foundation with ground floor installation and twice cheaper than strip foundation with ground floor installation.

#### 4.1 Comparison of the efficiency among foundation options

The analysed options of a passive house foundation structures are as follows: F1P, strip foundation together with the first storey floor; F2P, pile foundation together with the first storey floor; and F3P, concrete slab floor.

The analysed options of energy efficiency class A house foundation structures are as follows: F1, strip foundation with first storey floor; F2, pile foundation with first storey floor; and F3, concrete slab floor. The obtained results are presented in Figure 3.

The comparison of utility values among the foundation options showed that concrete slab floor received the highest scores both in a passive house and in

Figure 3. Comparison of the efficiency among foundation options.

efficiency class A house. Efficiency values of concrete slab floor options were much higher than strip or pile foundations. The reason is much higher thermal parameters of the concrete slab floor than strip or pile foundation. The floor is installed together with the foundation slab and thus reduces the total price of the house. The analysis has shown that the best foundation option for energy-efficient houses is a concrete slab floor.

load-bearing elements can be I-beams, box cross-sectional beams or glulam box beams. It should be noted that supervision of labour quality is vital for the building of such walls. Thermal insulation materials are installed in several layers. The tightness of air and vapour barrier must be ensured. According to the obtained data, the biggest price difference of alternative options is caused by the selected façade finishing. The brick finishing façade on stud walls increases the price of such walls significantly compared to sheet cladding finish. The sharp rise in plastered brick wall price is caused by the selected finishing plaster on the exterior. Timber stud walls with sheet cladding are 45% more efficient than silicate block walls and 51%

The analysed options of a passive house wall structures are as follows: R1P, insulation of a pitched roof ceiling with a cold attic; R2P, insulation of a pitched

The analysed options of efficiency class A house foundation structures are as follows: R1, insulation of a pitched roof ceiling with a cold attic; R2, insulation of a pitched roof; and R3, insulation of a flat roof concrete slab. The obtained results are

The comparison of flat and pitched roofs of the passive house with a cold and thermally insulated roof showed that a timber frame roof with thermally insulated ceiling and a cold attic is the best option for a single-family house. The labour cost indicator for a flat roof is economically the best compared to other alternatives;

more efficient than glulam I-joist stud walls with brick finishing.

4.3 Comparison of the efficiency among roof options

Technical-Economic Research for Passive Buildings DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.85992

roof; and R3P, insulation of a flat roof concrete slab.

presented in Figure 5.

Figure 5.

115

Comparison of the efficiency among roof options.

#### 4.2 Comparison of the efficiency among wall options

The analysed options of a passive house wall structures are as follows: W1P, timber stud wall with sheet cladding; W2P, glued laminated timber I-joist stud wall with brick finishing; and W3P, plastered silicate block wall.

The analysed options of efficiency class A house foundation structures are as follows: W1, timber stud wall with sheet cladding; W2, glued laminated timber I-joist stud wall with brick finishing; and W3, plastered silicate block wall. The obtained results are presented in Figure 4.

The comparison of economic indicators for various options of passive house walls showed that timber stud walls are the best option. The cost of materials makes the major part in the price of plastered brick structures. Thermal insulation of such walls requires a thicker insulation layer in order to reach the passive house criteria for the walls. To improve the energy efficiency of such walls, the brickwork materials with better heat transfer factors should be chosen in order to have a thinner insulation layer. Timber stud walls require more labour, but 420 mm of the total thermal insulation layer is sufficient. The thermal insulation layer is installed between the load-bearing elements of the framework and auxiliary studs. The

Figure 4. Comparison of the efficiency among wall options.

Technical-Economic Research for Passive Buildings DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.85992

efficiency class A house. Efficiency values of concrete slab floor options were much higher than strip or pile foundations. The reason is much higher thermal parameters of the concrete slab floor than strip or pile foundation. The floor is installed together with the foundation slab and thus reduces the total price of the house. The analysis has shown that the best foundation option for energy-efficient houses is a concrete

The analysed options of a passive house wall structures are as follows: W1P, timber stud wall with sheet cladding; W2P, glued laminated timber I-joist stud wall

The analysed options of efficiency class A house foundation structures are as follows: W1, timber stud wall with sheet cladding; W2, glued laminated timber I-joist stud wall with brick finishing; and W3, plastered silicate block wall. The

The comparison of economic indicators for various options of passive house walls showed that timber stud walls are the best option. The cost of materials makes the major part in the price of plastered brick structures. Thermal insulation of such walls requires a thicker insulation layer in order to reach the passive house criteria for the walls. To improve the energy efficiency of such walls, the brickwork materials with better heat transfer factors should be chosen in order to have a thinner insulation layer. Timber stud walls require more labour, but 420 mm of the total thermal insulation layer is sufficient. The thermal insulation layer is installed between the load-bearing elements of the framework and auxiliary studs. The

4.2 Comparison of the efficiency among wall options

with brick finishing; and W3P, plastered silicate block wall.

obtained results are presented in Figure 4.

slab floor.

Zero and Net Zero Energy

Figure 4.

114

Comparison of the efficiency among wall options.

load-bearing elements can be I-beams, box cross-sectional beams or glulam box beams. It should be noted that supervision of labour quality is vital for the building of such walls. Thermal insulation materials are installed in several layers. The tightness of air and vapour barrier must be ensured. According to the obtained data, the biggest price difference of alternative options is caused by the selected façade finishing. The brick finishing façade on stud walls increases the price of such walls significantly compared to sheet cladding finish. The sharp rise in plastered brick wall price is caused by the selected finishing plaster on the exterior. Timber stud walls with sheet cladding are 45% more efficient than silicate block walls and 51% more efficient than glulam I-joist stud walls with brick finishing.

#### 4.3 Comparison of the efficiency among roof options

The analysed options of a passive house wall structures are as follows: R1P, insulation of a pitched roof ceiling with a cold attic; R2P, insulation of a pitched roof; and R3P, insulation of a flat roof concrete slab.

The analysed options of efficiency class A house foundation structures are as follows: R1, insulation of a pitched roof ceiling with a cold attic; R2, insulation of a pitched roof; and R3, insulation of a flat roof concrete slab. The obtained results are presented in Figure 5.

The comparison of flat and pitched roofs of the passive house with a cold and thermally insulated roof showed that a timber frame roof with thermally insulated ceiling and a cold attic is the best option for a single-family house. The labour cost indicator for a flat roof is economically the best compared to other alternatives;

Figure 5. Comparison of the efficiency among roof options.

however the price of the supporting structure and roof coat can be several times higher than in other options. Therefore, the total price of such a roof increases significantly. Insulation of the entire pitched roof requires much more insulation materials, and the height of the main rafters must be increased. Therefore, the total labour costs of such a roof increase significantly. The best economic effect is achieved by leaving the pitched roof uninsulated and installing the thermal insulation layer on the ceiling. The article analyses two different insulation options: using only insulation sheets and combining insulation sheets with bulky insulation material. Although the price of bulky insulation materials is lower, special blowing equipment is required. The combined insulation layer is also thicker. Attic insulation by means of rock wool sheets only is by 2% more economic than insulation with bulky foam and 25% cheaper than installing thermal insulation between rafters. A flat roof with concrete slab ceiling is several times more expensive than other options; therefore it is not recommended.
