(This is the twelfth in our series of reflections on real construction decisions for one of our local projects: The Bishop Passive House). Once assemblies have been designed and materials ordered, the thermal performance of a new building or home can depend on careful installation of the smallest details. Specifically, thermal bridges - those areas where heat and cold move through materials in an uncontrolled fashion - can lead to significant energy loss over time. For this reason, one of the primary principles of Passive House is to have zero thermal bridges.

(This is the eleventh in our series of reflections on real construction decisions for one of our local projects: The Bishop Passive House). With the envelope and insulation nearly complete, high performance windows have now been installed on Bishop Passive House. The design team took care to not only select good quality windows, but properly size and orient them to maximize the benefits of views, daylighting, and ventilation. Spoiler alert - go ahead and put fixed glass in where they can shine and save the operational ones (which are leakier by nature) for where they can do the most for indoor air quality.

(This is the tenth in our series of reflections on real construction decisions for one of our local projects: The Bishop Passive House)

Like most industries, trends come and go. What doesn’t go out of fashion is a smart strategy that makes a home comfortable, is easy on the planet, and equally so on the wallet.

(This is the ninth in our series of reflections on real construction decisions for one of our local projects: The Bishop Passive House)

We all know that insulation can make a difference in keeping the cold out of our homes and buildings, even with California’s fairly mild climates. It turns out, it can do a whole lot more!