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Building to Passive House standards transforms how your home feels. But between technical specifications, certification requirements, and coordinating suppliers, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.

This guide cuts through the complexity, giving you practical answers to make confident decisions - whether you're working toward certification or simply want exceptional comfort and performance.

Key Takeaways

  • Passive House windows require U-values of 0.80 W/(m²K) or lower - the best achieve 0.64 W/(m²K)
  • Triple glazing with Low-E coatings and expert installation are preferable
  • Complete in-house services eliminate coordination challenges that complicate most projects

Getting the Specifications Right

Passive House certification requires windows achieving 0.80 W/(m²K) or lower.

For context, UK Building Regulations allow U-values of up to 1.6 W/(m²K) in new builds - making passive house windows more than twice as thermally efficient. Our best-performing units now reach 0.64 W/(m²K), delivering measurable comfort improvements and lower energy bills over decades.

Beyond U-values, the best triple glazing includes Low-E coatings, argon gas fills, and warm edge spacers.

Frames need multiple insulation chambers and thermal breaks. But specifications alone don't guarantee performance - installation quality matters equally.

What Distinguishes Quality Suppliers

Many suppliers produce Passive House-compliant products, but how they operate differs significantly.

Look for:

  • Construction quality

    Alu clad windows combine timber's thermal performance and interior warmth with aluminium's exterior durability.

    Triple gasket systems, multi-point locking, and precision-engineered frames distinguish professional-grade products.

  • Installation expertise

    Even perfectly specified windows fail if poorly installed.

    The best suppliers either provide their own installation teams or work with carefully vetted partners who understand the specific architectural details involved.



  • Certification and technical support

    Suppliers who provide PHPP data and understand the certification process make your architect's work easier.

    Independent testing from bodies like UKAS verifies performance claims.

  • One partner - start to finish.

    Fragmented distribution chains create opportunities for miscommunication and delays.

    Suppliers who manage the entire process from survey and specification through to installation simplify your whole project.

Understanding the Investment

Passive house windows typically cost roughly 10-15% more than high-quality double glazing.

However, as a critical component of the Passive House system, high-performance windows contribute to the 80-90% reduction in heating and cooling energy that Passive House buildings achieve compared to standard construction. 

Payback typically takes 10-15 years, after which the savings become pure gain. With quality windows lasting 30-40 years, the lifetime return is substantial.

The Norrsken Approach

We've built our service around supporting our customers - end-to-end. From initial survey through final installation, one team manages your entire window and door package.

Our passive house windows achieve U-values as low as 0.64 W/(m²K) - exceeding the 0.80 W/(m²K) requirement with performance validated through independent testing. We provide complete PHPP data for your certification application, and our team brings years of experience working with Passive House designers and consultants.

This complete in-house approach means you have a single point of contact, clear accountability, and confidence that every detail receives proper attention.

No distributors. No coordination headaches. No gaps between supplier and installer.

Internal view of an open, double-glazed, aluminum-clad sliding door in a revitalized residential development.

How It Works

1. Understanding your project: Together, we'll work out the right windows and doors for your Passive House project - factoring in orientation, exposure, architectural style, and performance targets. 

2. Getting you ready for certification: We provide all the technical information, PHPP data and test certificates you need to meet the rigorous planning and calculation process.

3. Precision engineering your windows and doors: Your windows are made to order over 6-14 weeks. We'll coordinate delivery to arrive exactly when your build is ready for them.

4. Installation and final checks: Our installation team fits everything according to our agreed details and tests every window and door before we're done, signing off the installation with you or your site manager.


Making Your Decision

Start with a clear understanding of your project's requirements - performance targets, architectural style, budget, and timeline.

Use this framework to evaluate suppliers systematically rather than choosing based on price alone.

Look for suppliers who demonstrate genuine passive house expertise, provide comprehensive technical support, and manage the entire process from specification through installation. The best partnerships feel collaborative rather than transactional.

We're here to make this journey straightforward. Whether you're working toward certification or building to passive house principles for comfort and efficiency, we provide the expertise, products, and service that transform specifications into reality.

Ready to explore how we can support your project? Visit our Poole showroom, explore our online resources, or contact our team to discuss your requirements.

Best selling windows

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SELECT YOUR WINDOWS

Unmistakably trusted.

The highest compliment is a recommendation. These are the voices of those who placed their trust in us.

"Excellent Company from start to finish… If only every window supplier operated like this! I have used many others over the years on various projects but Norrsken far exceeded all of them… I hope this helps you make a decision for what is probably a large chunk of your budget… They are totally worth it"

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Angela Smith

Self Builder

“Having used Norrsken in the past we were happy to recommend them to one of our clients who was looking for the best sound proofing and weatherproofing they could get being set on a hill top overlooking the sea and facing strong westerly winds. They were not disappointed. A quality product, delivered well and on time. Thankyou.”

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Ken Pearson

Homeowner

"Fantastic professional service, from the original design to the final installation. The triple-glazed windows and doors that have been fitted to our new house are of a very high quality and look amazing. We definitely made the right choice when we decided to use Norrsken, nothing is too much trouble for them."

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Nigel

Homeowner

"I did my research before contacting Norrsken but they had come highly recommended by our Architect for our Passive House self build.

From the first meeting with Nick we felt confident that they were the Company for us."

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Ali and Brian Manning

Passive House Self Builders

“The quality of the triple glazed, alu-clad windows and doors is superb. They feel so reassuringly solid ... I opted for a wood stain for the internal finish on the frames, and am so glad I did, as it shows off the beauty of the wood perfectly. The whole process from order to installation went smoothly. I thoroughly recommend Norrsken.”

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Gareth

Homeowner

"Norrsken provided attentive service from drawings to on-site installation for our project at National Trust Stourhead and we would definitely recommend and repeat commission them on future projects."

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Charlotte Hill-Baldwin

Architect, H-B Designs

“From our very first interaction to the aftercare support, Norrsken has been exceptional. The quality of their windows is outstanding - beautifully designed, expertly crafted, and a real standout feature in our home. They've truly elevated the overall look and feel of the house.”

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Neil Southwell

Self Builder Homeowner

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