Michelle Kaufmann

Michelle Kaufmann is reporting about the "Passive House" designed by PARAVANT ARCHITEKTUR

Quote from Michelle Kaufman: "... , “Passive House"  designed by Paravant is elegant and beautiful, as well as efficient. It utilizes passive design components and techniques that allow the warmth from the sun during the winter but not the summer. I love the sliding screen over the winter garden and the courtyard."

Link: http://michellekaufmann.com/2009/10/eco-home-competition-winners-announced/ 

PASSIVE HOUSE

PARAVANT ARCHITECTS located in Los Angeles are promoting the “German Passive House Technology” which has been used successfully in hundreds of buildings over the past 10 years in Europe. This established building technology enables to reduce the energy consumption by up to 90% while at the same time creating a comfortable building. Currently, only a hand full of “Passive Homes” has been developed in the United States. Other typologies as office buildings, mixed-use buildings, public buildings and schools can be build using this standard.

Passive buildings are using the following improved basic construction materials/methods:

• More insulation 
• Better windows  
• High air tightness 
• Heat recovery from exhaust air

These small measures result in a drastic reduced demand for heating and cooling of the building. Passive buildings have a high thermal comfort, very good indoor air quality and are cost-efficient.