OPEN HOUSE | Experience a Certified Passive House (SB9) & EnerPHit Remodel in Progress in Los Angeles

By Passive House California , April 30, 2025 - News, Passive House Open Days

Explore a small-scale urban infill single-family residence in West Los Angeles, designed under California’s SB9 regulation—a recent law aimed at increasing residential density to help address the housing shortage in Los Angeles. Designed by PARAVANT Architects, this home was recently certified as a Passive House Classic by the International Passive House Institute (PHI). You’ll also have the opportunity to observe the ongoing renovation of an existing home, which is being…

PHCA Community Meeting | Liquid Applied Intelligent Membranes: The Latest for High Performing Buildings

By Passive House California , April 25, 2025 - Community Meeting, News

Intelligent Membranes joins us to provide an overview of the role of liquid-applied solutions in enhancing airtightness and sustainability in construction. This session will examine their product range, including the airtight membrane “Passive Purple,” the flexible waterproof membrane “THE GOAT,” and the A2-rated intumescent fire-retardant paint “FRED.” We’ll discuss how these materials support easier application, improve building performance, and meet the requirements of Passivhaus standards. Presenter: Adam White is the…

Non Combustible Stone Wool (Mineral Wool) Solutions for Thermal, Fire, Sustainability and Sound Control

By Passive House California , April 22, 2025 - Community Meeting, Webinar

The net energy savings realized in a properly insulated building are well understood. However, as design professionals strive to maximize thermal resistance, yet reduce mass in the wall assembly, insulation is increasingly being positioned in both the stud wall and the exterior side of the building envelope. This split insulation concept has introduced a number of design issues and concerns; particularly as relates to fire resistance, moisture management, and wall…

The Dangers of Smoke in Your Home: Why the Flames aren’t the only Threat of a Wildfire

By Passive House California , April 1, 2025 - News

When it comes to wildfire events like the recent disasters in Los Angeles, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Carolinas, the danger doesn’t go away once the flames are put out. While the focus during these events is directed at the fires, the accompanying smoke produces long-lasting danger in the structures that were spared. A recent article from The Cool Down by Samantha Hindman explains why. READ ENTIRE ARTICLE

Friends of Passive House We Need Your Help ! A groundbreaking bill, AB 368

By Passive House California , March 11, 2025 - Decarbonization, News

A groundbreaking bill, AB 368, has been introduced in the California State Legislature to establish Passive House certification as an alternative compliance pathway to Title 24. This marks a significant step toward advancing high-performance, energy-efficient buildings statewide. Climate Action California has been a huge support and we are here because of them! The bill may be heard in committee on April 2nd—here’s how you can take action now: Sign up…

New Single-Family Residence in Los Angeles Achieves Official Passive House Institute Certification!

By Passive House California , March 10, 2025 - Member News

Congratulations to the team for successfully completing certification! - Passive House Classic | One of the first Passive House rental units in California  This SB-9 project embraces California's forward-thinking regulations to combat the housing shortage in Los Angeles by introducing additional residential units. Designed to meet the rigorous International Passive House Standard, it ensures superior energy efficiency, exceptional comfort, and outstanding indoor air quality. The International Passive House Standard represents…

“Fire Resilient Envelope & HVAC Design” | PHCA Community Meeting

By Passive House California , March 1, 2025 - Community Meeting

Description As wildfires become increasingly frequent and devastating in California, building resilience is paramount. This presentation delves into critical aspects of fire-resilient envelope and HVAC design. We'll explore how achieving superior airtightness through meticulous envelope detailing, robust exterior walls with insulation and fire-resistant cladding, ember-resistant unvented crawlspaces and foam-free, unvented roof strategies significantly enhance a home's ability to withstand wildfire threats. Finally, we'll address considerations for HVAC-related openings, outlining strategies to minimize…

Passive House California | Watch us on YouTube & PHCA Resources Section

By Passive House California , March 1, 2025 - News, Passive House 101, Press Release

Dear Friends of Passive House California, If you missed any of our live events, you can always catch up on our recorded content at your convenience. Our videos, community meetings, and other valuable recordings are available on YouTube, Vimeo, and in the PHCA resources section. These platforms provide a wealth of information on Passive House design, construction, and community engagement, allowing you to stay informed and connected. We encourage you…

Passive House Building Certification Data: Over 4 million square meters worldwide (Passive House Institute)

By Passive House California , February 15, 2025 - News, Press Release

Check out the updated Passive House building certification data: Over 4 million square meters worldwide! There are more and more projects focusing on highly energy-efficient construction and renovation. The trend is growing, with an increasing number of professionals in the construction industry seeking certification for the quality of their buildings. In recent years, the Passive House standard has gained significant popularity. As of January 2025, over 47,400 units have been…

Assemblymember Ward Introduces AB 368 to Advance Passive House Standards for More Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency

By Passive House California , February 11, 2025 - News

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) introduced AB 368, a bill directing the California Energy Commission (CEC) to evaluate the adoption of certified Passive House (PH) energy efficiency standards as an alternative compliance pathway under Title 24 building regulations. With California facing intensifying wildfires, droughts, and rising sea levels, AB 368 aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by promoting energy-efficient construction. Buildings account for 31% of total GHG…

Windhorse Orchard: a Living Building Challenge and Passive House Renovation

By Passive House California , February 10, 2025 - Community Meeting

This project in Sebastopol is nearing completion and we are excited to share some of the highlights with you. Kristin Nichols (Building Designer/Homeowner) and Spencer Dobrovolny (Builder) will present the project from their unique perspectives. We will dive into the design and construction processes of this exciting project.  We will look at what challenges we faced, how we approached these challenges, and share our successes and where we think we…