Superinsulation

Superinsulation is a method of building design and construction that aims to minimize heat transfer through the building envelope. Superinsulation is one of the cornerstones of passive house and zero-energy building design.

Overview

Superinsulation is achieved by using a high level of thermal insulation in the building envelope, along with tight air sealing and thermal bridge free construction. The goal is to reduce the rate of heat transfer to a point where the building can be kept comfortable using very little active heating and cooling.

Design principles

The key principles of superinsulation include:

• High levels of insulation: The building envelope is insulated to a level significantly higher than typical construction. This reduces the rate of heat transfer through the walls, roof, and floor.

• Tight construction: The building envelope is made airtight to prevent uncontrolled air leakage, which can carry heat in and out of the building.

• Thermal bridge free construction: Thermal bridges, which are areas of the building envelope that have a significantly higher rate of heat transfer than the surrounding materials, are eliminated or minimized.

• Controlled ventilation: Because the building is very airtight, mechanical ventilation is often used to control the exchange of air and maintain good indoor air quality.

Benefits

The benefits of superinsulation include:

• Reduced energy use: Because the building loses less heat, it requires less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature.

• Improved comfort: The high level of insulation and airtight construction can help to maintain a more consistent indoor temperature.

• Reduced environmental impact: By reducing energy use, superinsulation can help to reduce the building's carbon footprint.

See also

• Passive house
• Zero-energy building
• Insulation
• Thermal bridge
• Indoor air quality

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