Passivhaus standard promises to reduce energy consumption up to 90%. But is it viable in Mallorca's Mediterranean climate? Worth the extra investment? This analysis breaks down pros, cons, real costs and necessary adaptations for Passivhaus in Alcudia.
What is Passivhaus?
- Origin: German standard (1991), cold continental climate
- Principle: House so insulated barely needs heating/cooling
- Target consumption: <15 kWh/m²·year (vs 100-150 kWh standard home)
- Certification: Passivhaus Institut (Germany), strict audit
Passivhaus technical requirements
1. Extreme insulation
- Walls: 20-30 cm insulation (vs 8-10 cm standard)
- Roof: 30-40 cm insulation
- Slab: 15-20 cm insulation under flooring
2. High-performance windows
- Triple glazing: Mandatory (vs double standard)
- U-value <0.8 W/m²K: Very low thermal transmittance
- Frames: Multi-chamber PVC or wood+aluminum
- Cost: €600-1,000/m² window (vs €300-400 double standard)
3. Airtightness (blower door test)
- Target: n50 <0.6 air changes/hour at 50 Pa pressure
- Meaning: House practically without air gaps
- Execution: Requires specialized labor, extreme supervision
4. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (HRV)
- Efficiency: >75% heat recovery
- Equipment cost: €8,000-15,000 installed (200 m² villa)
- Maintenance: Filter change every 6 months (~€150/year)
Is Passivhaus viable in Mallorca?
Advantages in Mediterranean climate
- Passive cooling: Insulation also works in summer
- Thermal comfort: Stable temperature 20-24°C year-round
- Energy savings: Still significant (60-80% vs standard home)
- Appreciation: Certified Passivhaus homes worth 15-25% more
Limits and necessary adaptations
- Oversized: Passivhaus standard designed for cold climates
- Summer overheating: Requires additional solar protection
- Triple glazing: Less natural light vs double (more important in sunny climate)
- Cost-benefit: Longer ROI in mild climate (15-20 years vs 10-12 in central Europe)
"Adapted" Passivhaus (realistic alternative)
- Adopt principles (insulation, airtightness, HRV)
- Flex requirements to local climate
- Target 30-40 kWh/m²·year (vs 15 kWh pure standard)
- VERDE, BREEAM or similar certification (more adapted to Spain)
- Investment savings: 20-30% vs pure Passivhaus
Real costs in Alcudia (2025)
Certified Passivhaus villa 200 m²
- High quality standard construction: €2,400/m² = €480,000
- Passivhaus extra costs: +€95,000 (~20% over base price)
- Total cost: €575,000 (€2,875/m²)
Annual energy savings
- Standard home: €3,000-4,000/year (heating + cooling)
- Passivhaus: €600-1,000/year
- Annual savings: €2,500-3,000
- Extra cost payback: €95,000 / €2,750 = 35 years
Conclusion: is it worth it?
YES, if...
- You prioritize absolute thermal comfort and sustainability over immediate ROI
- You live in house year-round (maximize benefit)
- You can assume extra investment €100,000-150,000
- You value international certification (marketing if reselling)
NO (choose "adapted Passivhaus"), if...
- Second home with seasonal use (impossible ROI)
- Seeking optimal cost-benefit balance
- Prefer investing extra in location, finishes or land
Interested in Alcudia Luz?
Alcudia Luz incorporates energy efficiency principles with Mediterranean criteria.