kdaniel | Sustain.ATL

Architecture for Humanity, Presents An Introduction to Passive House, a program to carbon neutrality.

By kdaniel, on November 3rd, 2011%

Jeff Dinkle, President of Eco Custom Homes, is giving a lecture at Southface, November 15th On Passive House. Guest speakers will also include David Bitter (AIA), Michael Fletcher (AIA), and Bruce Kitchell (Energy Expert). Each will speak on why Passive House is a solution to Carbon Neutrality. “A Passive House is a very well-insulated, virtually air-tight building that is primarily heated by passive solar gain and by internal gains from people, electrical equipment, etc. Energy losses are minimized. Any remaining heat demand is provided by an extremely small source. Avoidance of heat gain through shading and window orientation also helps to limit any cooling load, which is similarly minimized. An energy recovery ventilator provides a constant, balanced fresh air supply. The result is an impressive system that not only saves up to 90% of space heating costs, but also provides a uniquely terrific indoor air quality. ” Click Here to read more and register for the event. All proceeds of the event benefit Architecture for Humanity’s Oasis Project. . . . → Read More: Architecture for Humanity, Presents An Introduction to Passive House, a program to carbon neutrality.

The South’s 1st Passive House, Corey Saft to Speak in Atlanta, April 28th

By kdaniel, on March 27th, 2011%

Corey Saft, the Architecture Professor from Lafayette, LA., who recently completed the first Passive House in the South, is speaking on April 28th in Atlanta. Over the past year or so, I have been including a great deal about Passive House. Last year we did take courses and recently have become the first Certified Passive House Consultant in the SE. . . . → Read More: The South’s 1st Passive House, Corey Saft to Speak in Atlanta, April 28th

Passive House US, Dew Points in Wall Assemblies, Part 1 of 2

By kdaniel, on October 10th, 2010%

I have just finished my Phase 3 training, in Golden Co. This week. We are officially Passive House US consultants. We plan on being certified next month at the Passive House Conference in Portland, OE.

Today I am going to talk about the effects of Super Air Tight Buildings on wall assemblies / dew points in the Atlanta Climate. A typical wall assembly on a new construction home in Atlanta, Georgia contains 2 x 4 studs filled with insulation. On the exterior we have OSB sheathing, covered by an air tight / moisture barrier (I use Typar), and a veneer, usually brick or a cementitious cladding. On the interior we have ½ gypsum board painted usually with 2 coats of paint / primer. . . . → Read More: Passive House US, Dew Points in Wall Assemblies, Part 1 of 2

Reflections from Passive House, USA Training Sessions, Part 1

By kdaniel, on September 20th, 2010%

What is Passive House? “The Passive House Design standard is a performance-based and verifiable building energy metric that has been established based on global carbon reduction needed to avert the climate crisis as well as future costs of fossil fuels (peak oil) and therefore the economic feasibility to society.” The Passive House Standard requires reducing the space conditioning energy load (of new buildings) by 90% when compared to existing buildings…

The goals of a Passive House are:

To keep the requirement for heating and cooling a home to less than 15 KWH/m2 per year. Keep specific primary energy demand to less than 120 KWH/m2 per year. Air tightness of less than .60 ACH at 50 Pascal. . . . → Read More: Reflections from Passive House, USA Training Sessions, Part 1

The South Gets its First Certified Passive House (Beats California to the Punch)

By kdaniel, on July 21st, 2010%

A rarity in the South. 204House, in Lafayette, Louisiana, was designed and built by architect Cory Saft to earn both Passivhaus and LEED Platinum certifications.

Although sustainable materials and energy efficient design have found their way into some post-Katrina residential rebuilds on the Gulf Coast, Louisiana isn’t otherwise known for leading the charge to greener home construction. And that puts the house built by architect Corey Saft at the forefront of green housing in the state. . . . → Read More: The South Gets its First Certified Passive House (Beats California to the Punch)