Fishtown Passive House

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cost-efficient + energy-efficient Passive House

Three big ideas:

Passive Design,
Urban Corner,
Airtight

The developer/builder of this Passive House wanted to push the intersection of better design / lower cost. Working closely with the builder, Re:Vision designed around typical dimensions for key elements such as framing, concrete forms, and cladding to reduce cost and waste while improving quality through cleaner joints.  The devil really is in the details, such as an entry console that incorporates a bench/shoe storage, A/V display, and energy monitoring display.  In a neighborhood dealing with rapid change, residents responded positively to a ‘warmer modernism.’  A super-insulated envelope, ducted mini-splits, and solar array make the home net-zero energy for core operations (without plug loads).  An architect purchased the home and is recording utility bills less than $50/month.  

Fast Facts

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2kW rooftop photovoltaic array

100% fresh air ventilation system

Net-zero energy for core operations

Double framed R-41 exterior walls and R-82 roof with continuous insulation

High-performance triple pane windows

1.5 ton heat pump for 2,100sf is more than 50% smaller than industry standard

Passive House Certified

Passive What?

Passive House is an international standard for energy efficiency in buildings.  It is achieved through a combination of several factors:

  • Optimized and continuous building insulation
  • High-performance windows and doors
  • Reduced thermal bridging
  • Increased airtightness
  • Balanced ventilation with heat recovery

Passive Houses provide superior air quality while being ultra-energy efficient, thermally comfortable, and quiet (a valuable trait in an urban environment).

But it’s not enough to just design for Passive House – you have to prove it by passing rigorous on-site construction testing.  The Fishtown passive house passed with flying colors beating the air tightness standards by close to 20%!

Project Gallery

A simple metal grate stair leads to a boldly colored door in a surround of clear stained cedar siding.
A built in storage wall does double duty with entertainment center on the living room side and bike and coat storage by the door.
The upper level hall features a built in library as well as skylights which bring natural light deep into the middle of the house.
All doors and windows are Passive House certified for reduced air infiltration and increased insulation.
The central stair is accented with lasercut plywood panels extending from the basement to the second floor hall.
The simple exterior cladding conceals a super-insulated double stud wall system.
Indoor spaces are clean and bright with a central stair winding down to the basement.
The cozy back yard is filled with native plants and garden beds watered by the rainwater collection barrel.
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