Passive Buildings, Active Benefits

"Passive Buildings use building science to create beautiful, healthy, comfortable, durable, and energy-efficient buildings."

— Nathan Burkholder, Architect

GETTING STARTED

What is a Passive Building?

Passive House is a performance-based building certification that focuses on the dramatic reduction of energy use for space heating and cooling. It is a set of metrics for energy performance, a certification that can be achieved, and a philosophy for how to design & construct better buildings.

Through Passive House, we can deliver a high level of energy savings and carbon reduction for all building types while providing a healthier and more comfortable space to live and work. At Burkholder Architecture, our commitment to Passive House (PHIUS) principles extends beyond a mere—

certification, it represents a philosophy that transforms how we design and construct superior buildings. Whether it's a school, apartment building, new residential home, or historical renovation, a Passive House building can take any form. Our meticulous and integrated design process focuses on a well-insulated, air-sealed envelope, harnessing natural light and solar gain, and incorporating highly-efficient HVAC systems. The result? Buildings that boast over 90% less energy consumption for space conditioning and over 60% less overall energy usage.

Passive Principals

Guided by passive building principles, our architecture prioritizes thermal, air, radiation, and moisture control. This involves airtightness, balanced ventilation with heat & moisture recovery, high-performance windows and doors, and strategic shading.

Our focus on material moisture management and precise air humidity control ensures structures that excel in energy efficiency, creating optimal living environments.

UNLOCK

The Benefits of Passive Buildings

Beyond benefits, the reduced energy demand of Passive House structures opens the door to easy integration with solar power, paving the way for net-zero or even net-positive buildings. Join us in embracing Passive Buildings, where sustainability meets superior living and working spaces. Learn more at: PHIUS - Zero is the goal. PHIUS is the means.

Financial Benefits

Passive buildings deliver substantial energy and cost savings, lower maintenance expenses, and feature climate-resilient, durable construction, offering a financially efficient and environmentally responsible solution.

Health & Comfort Benefits

Transform your living or working spaces into havens of well-being by incorporating advanced ventilation systems that ensure enhanced air quality and unparalleled comfort. Revel in the abundance of natural lighting and relish the tranquility of quieter acoustic conditions.

Environmental Benefits

Passive buildings emerge as eco-friendly beacons, championing reduced carbon emissions and climate resilience. Their focus on embodied carbon reduction reflects a commitment to environmentally conscious construction practices, making them a sustainable choice with lasting impact.

Our extensive industry experience is not just a point of pride; it's the cornerstone of our excellence.

Available Incentives

Frequently Asked Questions

Uncover the secrets of energy efficiency, climate resilience, and the sustainable allure that makes every question a gateway to understanding the future of eco-conscious living.

  • Nope, not just houses! While the name might suggest a focus on residential spaces, Passive House principles apply to a variety of buildings—schools, offices, apartments, you name it. It's a versatile approach that suits diverse architectural needs.

  • Great question! "Passive House" is a specific certification, whereas "Passive Building" is a broader term encompassing any structure that follows Passive House principles. So, think of "Passive House" as the gold standard within the wider concept of "Passive Building."

  • Currently, the cost of a passive building typically runs about 3-5% more than a conventional home. However, the beauty lies in scale: larger projects, like a multifamily passive building, can be on par with or only 0-3% more expensive than a building built to an energy star baseline. In essence, the larger the building, the smaller the cost difference.

    Moreover, the landscape is evolving. With more prominent manufacturers introducing high-performance windows and doors, economies of scale are poised to drive down costs even further. So, not only is it a smart investment now, but the future promises even more cost-efficient sustainability.

  • Absolutely! Windows and doors are not off-limits. In fact, they're an integral part of passive design, allowing for natural ventilation. So, feel free to let in that fresh air and enjoy the view.

  • Excellent point! Passive buildings do require an extremely airtight building envelope. Combined with super-insulation, this approach dramatically reduces temperature variation, which also prevents condensation and mold issues. The constant, low-level ventilation also helps prevent moisture problems in addition to maintaining excellent air quality.

    That being said, potential moisture issues must be carefully addressed during the design stage. That's why it's important to work with a Phius Certified Consultant (CPHC®). CPHCs are trained to accurately model building performance and to identify and address potential moisture issues with a variety of techniques.

  • Not at all! While they share energy-efficient principles, Passive Buildings come in various shapes and sizes. Design is where creativity shines, so your Passive Building can be as unique as your vision. It's about blending sustainability with your personal style.

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