Design Smarter: The Power of Energy Modelling in Residential Architecture
- Tony Biesiek
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
In today’s residential design landscape, homeowners and architects alike are seeking smarter, more efficient ways to build. Whether the goal is lower energy bills, improved comfort, or future-proofing against climate extremes, one tool consistently delivers clarity and confidence: energy modelling.
Energy modelling allows us to simulate how a home will perform before a single nail is driven. It’s a proactive design strategy that helps us make informed decisions about insulation, glazing, ventilation, and orientation—long before construction begins.
1. What Is Energy Modelling?
Energy modelling is a digital simulation of a building’s thermal and energy performance. It uses climate data, building geometry, material properties, and system specifications to predict how much energy a home will use for heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation.
At Imagine Architecture, we integrate energy modelling early in the design process to guide decisions and optimise outcomes. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about creating homes that perform.
2. Our Workflow: From 3D Modelling to Performance Refinement
We begin with a 3D model of the home in DesignPH, a plugin for SketchUp that allows us to simulate energy performance in real time. This step is crucial for understanding how the building’s form, orientation, and shading affect its thermal behaviour.
Shading analysis is particularly important—it helps us assess solar gains and avoid overheating, especially in summer. We can test different roof overhangs, window placements, and landscape features to find the right balance.
Once the concept is refined, we export the model to PHPP (Passive House Planning Package), where we develop the design in detail. PHPP allows us to fine-tune insulation levels, ventilation systems, and airtightness strategies to meet Passive House performance targets.
3. Why Passive House?
Passive House (Passivhaus) is the world’s leading standard for energy-efficient building. It’s not just about saving energy—it’s about creating homes that are:
Comfortable: Stable indoor temperatures year-round
Healthy: Fresh, filtered air through balanced ventilation
Quiet: Superior acoustic insulation
Durable: Reduced moisture risk and long-term resilience
To achieve these outcomes, Passive House relies on rigorous energy modelling. Without it, there’s no way to prove compliance with key metrics like:
Annual heating demand ≤ 15 kWh/m²
Airtightness ≤ 0.6 ACH @ 50 Pa
Primary energy demand ≤ 120 kWh/m²
4. Better Design Decisions, Backed by Data
Energy modelling helps us answer critical questions early:
Is triple glazing necessary in this climate?
Will shading reduce overheating without compromising winter solar gain?
Can we reduce mechanical heating demand through better envelope design?
These insights allow us to design smarter.
Final Thoughts
At Imagine Architecture, energy modelling is embedded in our design process. It’s how we ensure that every home we design is not only beautiful, but also performs to the highest standards of comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.
Thinking about building a high-performance home? Let’s talk about how energy modelling—and Passive House design—can shape your project from concept to completion.
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