Expert Architects Transform 80-Year-Old Bungalow Into Remarkable Passive Home
Architects in Sacramento have converted an aging bungalow into a passive home, “setting a precedent for sustainable living in the city.”
According to The Cool Down, as the Sacramento Observer reported, the project aimed to tackle two major issues: provide a larger living space for the family since they’d outgrown the home, and safeguard them from environmental hazards such as heatwaves, cold snaps, wildfire smoke, and pollen — all of which are becoming more of a threat as the world warms.
Sacramento-based architect Bronwyn Barry, founder of residential design firm Passive House BB, and Andrew Turner, CEO of GoodSpace High Performance Builders, decided they were up for the challenge.
The two certified Passive House pros have been working on the home renovation for the past year, making sure it’s comfortable and up to code for the homeowners. Passive homes are designed to be well-insulated, airtight structures that use natural sources such as sunlight and shade to provide heating and cooling.
The result? Lower energy bills, better indoor air quality, and more comfort. According to the Passive House Institute, these homes can provide energy savings of up to 90% compared to traditional homes.
Turner told the Observer that homes must adhere to a rigorous set of standards to obtain Passive House certification. They must be well-sealed, have high-performance doors and windows, provide continuous insulation, and incorporate measures to control mold and mildew.