Happy Earth Day! At dD+P, we are dedicated to helping create a healthier planet through sustainable design and ecological practices.
One way we are contributing to the field of sustainable design is through our work on Passive Houses. Currently, the Pierson-Humphrey Residence, dD+P’s 2nd Passive House, is under construction and when complete will contribute to reducing carbon emissions by being designed and built to meet the 5 Passive House principles:
- Extensive insulation, including underslab insulation, for thermal enclosure continuity
- Efficient windows and doors
- Minimized thermal bridges
- Airtightness to minimize heat loss
- Continuous filtered air exchange to control indoor air quality and humidity
The residence will include a roof-top photovoltaic array sized to generate enough electricity to be net zero, offsetting that pulled from the electrical grid. Additionally, although less easily quantified, Passive Houses provide comfortable living environments – they are quiet, draft-free, have good air quality, and experience minimal temperature swings.
The Pierson-Humphrey Residence was designed to accommodate the couple’s day-to-day needs while also allowing them to host large family gatherings. The Second Floor spaces were designed to be flexible, switching from office space to bedrooms, effectively creating a temporary dormitory setting.
Construction is progressing, with installation of the exterior finish scheduled throughout the next month, and completion is anticipated by the summer of 2023.
