Course Highlights

• Learn general passive house principles
• Classroom and field focus on envelope issues
• HVAC considerations and testing
• Cost optimization/bidding
• QA/QC process

Superinsulation, air-tight envelopes, high-performance window installation, site management, component sourcing–passive house construction presents special challenges to builders. The PHIUS Builders Training program prepares construction professionals to meet the passive house challenge.

Dan Whitmore, Mike Kernagis and Adam Cohen–who have built 20 successful passive house projects between them–have developed the curriculum. It runs from an introduction to design theory and climate-specific detailing to materials, techniques, project management and quality assurance.

The course offers real-world experience in the on-site implementation of passive house as well as counseling and advice to both the practical and business concerns specific to passive house. The course covers not only craftsmanship, but also focuses on the risks and liability to the passive house contractor and guidance in both problem solving and (more importantly) problem avoidance.

The full program runs over four days.