Passive Houses in the U.S.

by Katrin Klingenberg, Mike Kernagis, Mary James

   Soaring energy costs and a changing climate are driving up demand for energy-efficient, healthy, and durable homes. How can a home builder meet this demand? How can a home buyer be guaranteed that a home will deliver dramatically lower energy costs and carbon emissions? Passive Houses are affordable, comfortable homes that meet the most rigorous building energy standard in the world. Far more than a checklist of green building options, Passive House design is a state-of-the-art, systematic approach to super-efficient construction that reduces space heating and cooling loads by an amazing 90%. Developed in Germany, the Passive House standard puts true carbon-neutrality within reach. Today. Ten thousand Passive Houses have already been built in Europe, but this approach to home building has only very recently gained traction here in the U.S.

   Homes for a Changing Climate examines nine of these pioneering U.S. projects, from coast to coast and from a wide range of climates. An introductory chapter explores Passive House principles and its integrated design approach to such vital elements as insulation, airtightness, and mechanical ventilation. The featured homes showcase the innovative approaches of the architects, designers, and builders who are building Passive Houses that meet the demands of a variety of climates. While accessible to the layperson, Homes for a Changing Climate also provides construction details that will be of great interest to architects, home builders, and building scientists.

Paperback- 100 pages – 8” wide x 6” tall. 

Price: $25.00 (Includes taxes and domestic shipping and handling)

Available online now at www.passivehouse.us

_______________________________________________________

   This is a great introductory book describing the ways Passive House techniques have been implemented on various buildings in Europe cost effectively. There are many color pictures as well as detail drawings showing the thermal bridge-free construction techniques that provide a comfortable living environment without negatively impacting the architecture of the building. There are nine buildings presented, not only do they have great energy performance, but can be built within the financial requirements of low-cost housing. CEPHEUS is a European-wide consortium of experts dedicated to Passive House techniques. Only US $44.00 plus US $6.00 shipping and handling!

Also available at Amazon.com