The Passive House Approach: A Sustainable Solution for Denver Homeowners

Our team at Forest St. Builders is proud to be a leader in the growing field of Passive House building in Denver. Our certification by the Passive House Institute solidifies our expertise in creating homes that meet the most stringent energy efficiency and comfort standards.

Passive Houses employ a set of design principles designed to achieve optimal energy efficiency while maintaining comfort throughout the home. Here’s what makes a Passive House unique and why it’s becoming a sought-after choice for homeowners in Denver.

What Makes a Passive House?

Continuous Insulation

Passive homes feature continuous insulation throughout all the exterior walls of the home, preventing any thermal bridging (heat/cold finding its way into a house from the outside through conductive material). This ensures that heat stays inside during the winter and outside during the summer, drastically reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.

Airtight Construction

A core feature of Passive House is its extreme airtightness, preventing air leakage that could compromise energy efficiency. This helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures year-round, regardless of external conditions.

High-Performance Windows and Doors

Equipped with high-performance windows and doors, these homes excel in thermal performance. The windows manage solar gain, harnessing the sun’s energy in the winter while minimizing overheating in the summer.

Ventilation with Heat Recovery

Balanced heat and moisture recovery ventilation systems ensure a constant supply of fresh, filtered air while recovering energy from exhausted indoor air. This leads to both improved indoor air quality and energy savings.

Solar Gain Management

The design of a Passive House strategically manages solar gain. During the heating season, the house is positioned to capture the sun’s warmth, and during the cooling season, it minimizes heat to avoid over-reliance on air conditioning.

These principles ensure that Passive Houses are energy-efficient and extremely comfortable, providing a consistent indoor climate throughout the year.

Passive House vs. Net-Zero Homes: What’s the Difference?

It’s common to compare Passive Houses with Net-Zero Homes, but there’s an important distinction. Passive Houses are primarily focused on reducing the energy load by optimizing the design and construction of the home. Net-Zero Homes, on the other hand, aim to generate as much energy as they consume, typically through renewable energy sources like solar panels.

The key is that Passive House principles can be applied to any building type—from single-family homes to multifamily buildings or offices—making it a versatile solution for achieving energy efficiency.

What Are the Benefits of Building a Passive House?

Denver's climate, with its hot summers and cold winters, makes it an ideal setting for Passive House construction. Here’s how you’ll benefit from making your custom home a Passive House:

1. Energy Savings

A Passive House can reduce energy use by up to 90% compared to conventional homes, leading to substantial long-term savings on your utility bills. When combined with renewable energy sources, Passive Houses can even achieve net-positive energy status—producing more energy than they consume. When this occurs, you can then get credit for the excess energy from Xcel, gaining additional financial benefits.

2. Superior Comfort and Flexibility

One of the key advantages of Passive House design is the flexibility it offers for duct placement. With advanced insulation and airtight construction, ducts can be installed wherever you want without worrying about heat loss. This allows for a more even, convection-style heat distribution, making your home feel consistently warm and comfortable in every room. The improved air circulation also means better indoor air quality, creating a healthier living environment for you and your family.

3. Improved Air Quality

The ventilation system in a Passive House ensures that your home is filled with fresh, filtered air at all times. This can be particularly beneficial in Denver, where air quality from fires and pollution can occasionally be a concern.

4. Sustainability

By minimizing the amount of energy required to heat and cool your home, a Passive House offers an environmentally friendly option for homeowners who are committed to reducing their carbon footprint.

How Long Does it Take to Build a Passive House in Denver?

Building a custom build Passive House in Denver is a meticulous process that typically takes 24 months from start to finish, depending on factors like:

• Design and engineering

• City permits

• Construction

However, the long-term benefits far outweigh the time investment. By working with our team Forest St. Builders, you’re ensuring that your home will not only meet Passive House standards but also provide lasting comfort and energy savings for years to come.

Learn more about our custom home build timeline >

At Forest St. Builders, we’re passionate about bringing sustainable, energy-efficient homes to Denver. If you're ready to take the next step toward building a Passive House, contact us today to schedule a consultation.