The January 2026 issue of Architectural Record features an article by Joann Gonchar, FAIA, exploring how the International Passive House standard is shaping fire-resilient rebuilding efforts one year after the devastating Altadena and Pacific Palisades fires. The article highlights the California Rebuild Competition, organized by Passive House Network (PHN) and Passive House California (PHCA). The competition challenged architects to demonstrate how high-performance design, airtight construction, and balanced ventilation can contribute…
A Los Angeles Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) has been certified by the International Passive House Institute (PHI). Congratulations to the entire project team on this achievement. The all-electric, fossil-fuel-free ADU is a two-story, 900-square-foot residence featuring two bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Designed to meet the rigorous Passive House standard, the project incorporates a high-performance building envelope, efficient heat pump systems, and on-site solar photovoltaic generation—demonstrating how compact urban housing can deliver…
The 2025 Fall International Passive House Open Days will take place this weekend, from November 7–9, 2025. Organized by the International Passive House Association, Passive House Network (PHN) and Passive House California (PHCA) the International Passive House Open Days offer a unique chance to explore Passive House buildings in California, across the U.S. and around the world. Tour projects, meet current owners, and experience first-hand what it’s like to live…
Passive House California (PHCA) and the Passive House Network (PHN) shared a joint booth at the 2025 California Green Building Conference, hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA) in San Francisco on May 22, 2025. Throughout the event, various PHCA members presented their Passive House projects, showcasing innovative designs and high-performance building strategies aligned with the Passive House standard. [caption id="attachment_6495" align="alignnone" width="259"] Brian Pearson and Susie Harris at the PHCA and PHN booth[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6494"…
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…
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 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 upgraded…
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…
[smartslider3 slider=2] International Passive Open House Days | July 2024 This summer California has been experiencing a heat dome with temperatures in excess of 100 degrees F in much of the state. Suffering under such extremes makes people wonder what they can do to make their living and working places better. The benefits of Passive House were on display this past June 28-30 with 6 houses participating in the…
“Passive House SB9 & ADUs in CA’s Milder Climates” marked the first in-person Passive House California home tour in West Los Angeles, held in May 2024. Visitors had the unique opportunity to explore an all electric small-scale Passive House Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and a Single-Family Residence under SB9, both under construction in Los Angeles and designed by PARAVANT Architects. During the tour, attendees observed the installation of dense pack…
"Passive House SB9 & ADUs in CA’s Milder Climates” in person Passive House California home tour in West Los Angeles. Experience a small-scale Passive House Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Single-Family Residence per SB9 under construction in Los Angeles. Date: Saturday May 11, 2024 Time: 10:00 am Each person attending is required to sign-up separately. You will be visiting an active construction…
The Spring 2024 Passive House Accelerator Magazine features two California Passive House projects. One is locate in Los Angeles by "PARAVANT Architects" and the other one in Morongo Valley by "not | not". LINK TO DOWNLOAD
Two ADUs designed by PARAVANT Architects and built to Passive House standards exemplify how evolving policies, and tastes, are reshaping the urban landscape of Los Angeles. Read the article written by Mary James on the Passive House Accelerator. READ THE ARTICLE
