Passive House Design in the Pacific Northwest

Imagine a home so energy-efficient that it can maintain a comfortable temperature year-round with minimal heating or cooling. Welcome to the world of Passive House design – a revolutionary approach to building that's changing the game in sustainable architecture.

What is a Passive House?

A Passive House is a building standard that achieves remarkable energy efficiency while providing superior comfort and air quality. These homes use up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to typical buildings. But how do they accomplish this feat?

The Five Principles of Passive House Design

A green roof design we developed enhances insulation while allowing additional outdoor space.

1. Superb Insulation: Think of it as wrapping your home in a cozy blanket, keeping warmth in during winter and out during summer.

2. Airtight Construction: This prevents unwanted drafts and heat loss, ensuring your home stays snug.

3. High-Performance Windows: These special windows act like a thermos, trapping heat when you need it and reflecting it when you don't.

4. Ventilation with Heat Recovery: Fresh air is constantly circulated while retaining the heat, keeping your home comfortable and healthy.

5. Thermal Bridge-Free Design: By eliminating weak points in the building's envelope, we ensure consistent temperatures throughout.

Benefits Beyond Energy Savings

While the energy efficiency of Passive Houses is impressive, the benefits go far beyond lower utility bills:

• Superior Comfort: Enjoy consistent temperatures and excellent air quality year-round.

• Quieter Living: The robust insulation also provides excellent sound isolation.

• Durability: High-quality materials and construction methods lead to longer-lasting homes.

• Healthier Environment: Continuous fresh air circulation reduces indoor pollutants.

Passive House in the Pacific Northwest

Our unique climate in the Pacific Northwest presents both challenges and opportunities for Passive House design. While we may not have the extreme temperature swings of other regions, our cloudy, damp winters and increasingly warm summers make energy-efficient, comfortable homes more desirable than ever.

Looking to the Future

We're excited about the potential of Passive House principles to create homes that are not only beautiful and functional but also kind to our planet. While we haven't yet designed a certified Passive House in this office (we’ve done it in previous work), we're incorporating many of these sustainable strategies into our projects, always striving to create spaces that are as energy-efficient as they are delightful to live in.

Remember, every step towards more sustainable design is a step towards a greener future. Whether you're building new or renovating, consider how Passive House principles might enhance your home's comfort, efficiency, and environmental impact.

---

Ready for More??? It’s Earth Month! Check out the links below for more tips on saving our planet through our homes