503.510.9872
What is Passive House?
Passive House is applied building science;
Passive House is both an energy standard and a highly detailed performance based design tool for creating cost optimized climate specific near-zero energy buildings. At its core is the PHPP (Passive House Planning Package) software which determines building energy consumption through a highly detailed analysis based on the individual building’s geometry and thermal characteristics in a specific climate. Although seemingly complex, there is an inherent simplicity to this system which takes the guesswork out of determining the incremental benefits of various measures. It is a proven, well validated system that although strict and uncompromising results in a cost optimized low energy building in which offset mechanical costs pave the way for investments in efficiency. Over 15,000 Passive House (Passiv Haus) projects have been already been built worldwide (mostly in Europe), and the European Commission has plans to implement the Passive House Standard for all new homes by 2015. The “passive” in “Passive House” refers to the ability to maintain a comfortable interior environment without large mechanical systems, but instead the utilization of super-insulation, air-tightness, thermal bridge free construction, orientation, window type/configuration, and internal heat gains from occupants and their behavior to maintain indoor air temperature.
Passive House certification is an extremely thorough energy standard that is unmatched by any other green building energy standard on the globe, and it is custom tailored to specific local climactic characteristics including air temperatures, ground temperatures, and solar radiation. Each project must be individually calculated by a Passive House Consultant and verified by the Passive House Institute US for accuracy.
Benefits:
-90% reduction in heating/cooling energy use, 60-80% overall energy savings over a comparable code built house.
-Healthy indoor air quality—stringent ventilation requirements result in a highly efficient recovery ventilation system that maintains fresh air turnover.
-Drastically reduced utility bills, elimination of large HVAC systems
-Net Zero energy capability is achievable with a much smaller and less expensive photovoltaic array
see www.passivehouse.us for more information
While we do have certain standards as far as performance and materials are concerned, the path to a finished product can take many routes. We have the ability to work with an existing plan that you may already have or like the design of, or create a custom one-off design based on your particular likes and needs. We have completed many projects that begin their evolution as nothing more than a clients sketch on a napkin and an accompanying magazine clipping. You don't have to spend a fortune to get the design that you want.
A "typical" project with us usually starts with a general discussion of spatial needs and design likes, and then progresses into floor plan and elevation sketches before being modeled 3-dimensionally and fine-tuned in CAD. Our design fees are very modest, and are part of the overall service that we offer. We have also collaborated with Nathan Good, Architect, on a number of projects, and incorporated some of his very unique design elements.
Construction is completed by a tight web of subcontractors that we regularly work with, and many of the components are completed in house. A home's energy performance is very important to us, and every home that we construct is certified by the third party green-raters Earth Advantage ®. Earth Advantage is a provider of Earth Advantage, Energy Star, and LEED programs, which address the minimization of a homes energy requirements and environmental impacts.
If renewable energy can be incorporated into the project, we offer past experience and knowledge from involvement with photovoltaic solar electric systems (both fixed and tracking), solar-thermal hot water systems, wind power, and micro-hydro systems.
You will find that we are both very approachable and willing to accommodate your schedule and needs. Feel free to call or email today!
Call 503.510.9872
email us
Bilyeu Homes, Inc.
6140 Lake Labish Rd NE
Salem, OR 97305
larry@bilyeugreen.com
blake@bilyeugreen.com
CCB# 73044
