PHCA Community Meeting October 21, 2025: This presentation provides an overview of certifying a Passive House building with the Passive House Institute. The process isn’t as complicated as you might think. However, there are essential requirements that must be met. This presentation covers those requirements and includes suggestions for making the process run as smoothly as possible. Learning Points the benefits of certification the client/architect/consultant/builder/certifier relationships the certification timeline certification…
Fantastic News about Passive House in California! California Assembly bill AB368 has passed the legislature and is now on the way to the Governor's desk. Another step toward bringing high quality buildings to all Californians. Thanks to the office of Christopher Ward for sponsoring the bill and to Climate Action California for championing it through the process. FIND OUT MORE
The recent devastation of the Los Angeles wildfires challenges us, not just to rebuild, but also to innovate. Consequently, the Passive House Network with Passive House California is launching a design competition to develop a groundbreaking catalog of high-performance homes to inspire and inform the rebuilding efforts in the Altadena and Pacific Palisades communities. We invite architects and designers to showcase the power of Passive House in creating sustainable, healthy,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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Passive House California , February 20, 2025 -
Designers, enthusiasts, and curious minds—submitters and non-submitters alike—this is for you! With just weeks left to submit to the California Rebuilds Passive House Design Competition, join us for an open Q&A session led by Ken Levenson, Executive Director of the Passive House Network. His extensive expertise in Passive House strategies will help steer the discussion. This is your chance to fine-tune your ideas and tackle any roadblocks head-on. Not submitting?…
