Building Sustainability with Passive Purple Products
When it comes to sustainable construction, high-performance standards and energy efficiency, The Dairy is shaping up to be one of our most exciting projects to date. This ambitious build is designed to meet the rigorous Passive House standards—no small feat, as anyone in the industry will tell you. Achieving this requires airtight precision and meticulous attention to detail, especially when it comes to moisture control.
To help us hit these ambitious targets, we’ve been relying on Passive Purple products which are renowned for their eco-friendly credentials, outstanding durability and innovative approach. Nathan Page, our site manager at Paul and Page Ltd, is leading the charge. He’s been sharing his hard-earned tips for working with these products.
Project Overview
Right now, we’re building The Dairy with two key goals in mind: sustainability and energy efficiency. With Passive Purple’s products playing a starring role, we’re ensuring airtightness, controlling moisture, and weatherproofing the building to guarantee comfort, durability, and most importantly, Passive House certification.
Paul and Page Ltd have taken on this ambitious project, blending their extensive construction expertise with cutting-edge materials to create a home that sets new standards for energy efficiency and sustainability.
Key Products in Use – And Nathan’s Handy Tips
Passive Purple Internal Vapour Control Layer (VCL) – Walls and Roof
Passive Purple’s VCL has been applied to internal walls and roof surfaces, ensuring airtightness and regulating moisture with precision. This clever product prevents condensation, keeps insulation working at its best, and contributes to a healthier indoor environment by tackling humidity.
Nathan’s Handy Tips:
- Spray It On: We’re using an airless sprayer with a 519 or 521 tip for a nice, even coat.
- Filter-Free is the Way to Be: Remove the spray gun filter—the pressure (1500 PSI) is strong enough to avoid blockages.
- Patience Pays Off: Don’t rush the spraying. A steady hand and consistent application make all the difference in airtightness.
Passivhaus Airtight Sealants
Critical junctions around windows and doors have been sealed up with these airtight sealants. They’ve proven excellent for eliminating drafts and ensuring the building envelope meets airtightness standards.
What We’re Achieving
We’re not quite at the finish line yet, but here’s what we’re already seeing:
- Energy Efficiency: Passive Purple is helping us achieve the airtightness and moisture control that are non-negotiable for Passive House certification.
- Sustainability: Every product we’re using aligns perfectly with our commitment to eco-friendly construction.
- Durability: The materials are designed to last, meaning fewer maintenance headaches down the line.Health and Comfort: We’re creating a home that’s not just efficient but also draught-free, damp-free, and brilliantly comfortable.
Diagnostic Support by ATSPACE Ltd
To ensure the build meets Passive House criteria of 0.6 ACH or below, ATSPACE Ltd has conducted diagnostic air tightness tests three times during construction. These tests identified leakage areas, allowing us to address issues early and fine-tune the building’s envelope to meet the stringent standards. This proactive approach ensures not only compliance but also long-term energy performance and occupant comfort.
In Nathan’s Words
“It’s all about preparation and precision and Passive Purple has been a game-changer for us. From airtightness to moisture control, their products have taken what’s typically a painstaking process and made it so much simpler and more reliable. The results speak for themselves and if Passive Purple can deliver on a project as demanding as The Dairy, you know it’s the real deal.”
Top Tip:
Brush Work: A 4-inch block brush is perfect for working it into every nook and cranny. Yes, it’s a bit of a workout, but worth it!
Intelligent Protect Spray-Applied Glass Protection Film
To protect internal glass during construction, we’ve been using this product—and rolling it on thick instead of spraying. The result? Pristine, scratch-free glass that’s easy to peel off when we’re done.Top Tips:
Temperature Matters: Keep the product at room temperature before spraying; it flows like a dream that way.
Cleaning Hack: Stick to cold water when washing out your kit. Trust me—warm water turns it into something resembling concrete.
Passivhaus Weatherproof Masonry Protection & Brick Sealer Cream
The exterior brickwork is treated with this cream for added weatherproofing and moisture resistance. It’s helping to maintain the brick’s durability and appearance, keeping the structure as solid as the day it was built.
Top Tip:
Use the Right Tool: A dual-thrust sausage gun is your best friend for smooth application.
Final Flourish: Brush over the sealant after it’s applied. It leaves no gaps and gives a clean, professional finish.Passive Purple Waterproofing Membrane – External Walls
The exterior walls are protected with Passive Purple’s waterproofing membrane, creating a robust barrier that keeps the building dry while preserving the thermal envelope. It’s been a game-changer for maintaining energy efficiency and durability.Further Top Tips:
Roll, Don’t Spray: A mini roller gives a thick, even coat right up to the edges without touching the frames.
Avoid Wood: If your windows are timber, steer clear. Ours are aluminium-clad, so no problem there.
