EpiPHany Corner | For Persuasive Communication, F-F-B is Good, but N-F-F-B is Better

By Passive House California , August 21, 2022 - EpiPHany

If you are involved in advocating for environmentally responsible standards, strategies, products, or projects, this simple tactic can dramatically increase your success. First, some well-established definitions: A “Feature” is a characteristic of something (standard, strategy, product, service, or project) that is easily understood or demonstrated. A “Function” is how the feature works to provide one or more benefits. A “Benefit” is something positive that is gained as a result of…

EpiPHany Corner | Achieving Your Vision for a High-Performance Home

By Passive House California , June 24, 2022 - EpiPHany

The following is true for the design and construction of any home or building, but particularly important when your vision includes high-performance: The elements of high-performance include energy efficiency, indoor air quality, comfort, durability, and — resilience to extreme heat/cold, wildfires/smoke, and power outages. Historically, the process of building a custom home on a particular parcel has been a bit like a relay race. The potential homeowner would have an…

EpiPHany Corner | A High-Performance Enclosure: The #1 Priority for Resiliency

By Passive House California , February 20, 2022 - EpiPHany

Resiliency is the “ability to withstand and recover from difficult life events.” In the case of buildings, difficult life events include extreme heat or cold, wildfires, airborne pollutants (including smoke), and power outages. The #1 priority for achieving resiliency is a high-performance enclosure (envelope) The #1 priority for attaining a high-performance enclosure is air sealing Employing Passive House protocols is the #1 way of delivering an airtight enclosure The high-performing…

EpiPHany Corner | The Logic of The MacLeamy Curve

By Passive House California , January 18, 2022 - EpiPHany

In 2004, Patrick MacLeamy (CEO of HOK Architects) introduced the “Effort Curve”, now known as the MacLeamy Curve, to leverage technology and collaboration early in the design process for new buildings. Today, application of MacLeamy’s logic is critically important in achieving Passive House performance. A simple analogy: Imagine you were arranging a family vacation that included visits to several countries — and you wanted to arrive back home on time…