THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

What if you could use 90% less energy to heat and cool your home or office?

 Passive House Standard is an energy-centric building certification that approaches zero energy use. Do not be misled by the name Passive House. The standard is applicable to new and retrofit, commercial and residential properties. It is not passive solar design, but is a superior, high performance building envelope designed and constructed for extreme energy conservation while maintaining exceptional health and comfort of the occupants.

Over the last 15 years, close to 20,000 buildings have met the Passive House Standard worldwide. Passive House Standard is just getting started in the US, with about two dozen buildings completed to date.

Why is this pertinent for Philadelphia? Many of Philadelphia’s buildings are not eligible for LEED or Energy Star. Passive House Standard has no limitations on building size or use, and the focus on energy is especially relevant for the city’s energy and carbon reduction goals.

This seminar will introduce the basic principles and technologies of Passive House concepts. We will present case studies (with cost estimates) of completed projects and buildings being designed in the US. Come learn more with Laura Blau and Paul Thompson of GreenSteps LLC and BluPath Design and Tim McDonald of Blox and Onion Flats for the presentation at  Infusion Coffee & Tea Gallery in Mount Airy.

Presenter Biographies:

Laura A. Blau, AIA and Paul A. Thompson, AIA, are principals of BluPath Design Inc, an architecture firm focusing on sustainable design practices for residential, cultural and non-profit clients. In 2008 they formed a sister firm, GreenSteps, LLC to provide sustainable building and design consulting services, including LEED and Passive House consulting.

 Laura and Paul are LEED Accredited Professionals have taught sustainable design and architecture courses at Philadelphia University and Temple University. They are LEED Accredited Professionals and are Building Performance Institute trained Building Analysts and Energy Auditors. Paul holds a Masters of Architecture from the University of Virginia. Laura holds a MArch from University of Pennsylvania and is a certified Passive house Consultant. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Delaware Valley Green Building Council. Paul and Laura often make presentations on green design topics at seminars and conferences.

Their rowhome in South Philadelphia was awarded the 2006 Commonwealth Design Award for Sustainable Design and the 2007 IIDA Honorable Mention for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency.

Timothy McDonald, RA, LEED® AP, CPHC is the President and CEO of Onion Flats LLC.  Tim received his Bachelors of Architecture degree from Penn State University in 1989 and a Masters Degree in Architectural History and Theory from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec in 1994.  He then practiced as an architect in various international firms.  In 1997, with his brother Patrick, he co-founded Onion Flats LLC; a Philadelphia based real estate development/design/build firm.  Tim has been an adjunct Professor of Architecture at Philadelphia University, Temple University, University of Calgary, and University of Pennsylvania.  His service and experience extends into his community by holding current positions in the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association Zoning Committee and Urban Design Committee, the Philadelphia Sustainability Advisory Board, as well as a previous position on the Old City Civic Association Board of Directors.  Tim is also Founder/President of FAARM, a non-profit organization dedicated solely to the exhibition of art and architecture in Philadelphia. 

As a partner in Onion Flats, Tim’s role is Lead Architect and Construction Manager for many of Onion Flats’ projects.  Tim is also an accomplished carpenter, cabinet maker and welder.  In 2005, Tim and his brothers Pat and John, in conjunction with Howard Steinberg formed the architecture firm Plumbob, LLC and JIG, Inc., a General Contracting, Construction Management and Green Roof company, allowing this team to provide full design-build services for both clients and their own developments.  Additionally, Tim is a Certified LEED Accredited Professional.

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