Passive Concrete House

This future-ready home was designed to capture solar heat and retain energy, creating a reduced ecological footprint over an impressive 150+ year lifespan. 

Built with high-performance Passive House principles, the home faces south for winter solar gain, while a large overhang provides summer shade to keep it cool. Thick, insulated concrete walls and floors regulate temperature year-round and a Zehnder HRV system ensures continuous fresh air for occupants. To further round out energy efficiency, LED lighting, a heat pump dryer, and Energy Star appliances are used throughout the space. The home also features an 11-kilowatt solar system that feeds electricity back to the grid, reducing operating costs, and a 9,500-liter rainwater collection system to support toilet flushing, plant watering, and car washing. In a final green flourish of design, an electric car charger ensures that sustainability extends beyond the home itself.