Ultra-High Performance Buildings: Passive House Principles & Design

Catalog description

This course covers the principles, methods, and verification processes behind passive building design, with a focus on building envelope and mechanical system design, while providing a foundation in fundamental building science principles. The course focuses on ultra-high performance design principles, including continuous insulation, strict air tightness limits, reduction of thermal bridging, and thermal comfort via balanced ventilation and heat recovery, resulting in buildings with significantly lower energy use and higher occupant comfort than conventional construction. These principles are applicable to all building types. Students will also learn how to analyze Passive House performance during the design stage using relevant software, and during construction using blower door tests and infrared camera measurements.