Passive house standards and energy-efficient retrofitting for older buildings

Experts indicate that existing family homes can be upgraded to near-passive house standards through comprehensive energy retrofitting and careful planning. While the passive house standard is a German technical certification from the 1990s rather than a state requirement, it provides specific energy requirements for both new constructions and the renovation of older buildings.

Architect Áron Török notes that the feasibility of such upgrades depends on a building's structural and architectural characteristics. While simple family homes are relatively easy to modernize, older buildings with significant architectural details require complex solutions to balance energy efficiency with the preservation of their original character.

As Europe experiences increasing heatwaves, there is a growing need for effective cooling solutions. While modern well-insulated buildings often trap heat in the summer, passive architectural methods—such as thick walls, strategic orientation, natural ventilation, and shading—can significantly reduce the need for air conditioning. These traditional techniques, used in historic courtyard and farmhouse designs, are being rediscovered as essential tools for sustainable, energy-efficient living.