Certified in design and building
Hugh Lofting is a Passive House Institute U.S. (PHIUS) Certified Builder. Attaining PHIUS certification means we understand Passive House principles, have mastered craftsmanship techniques specific to Passive Houses, and can meet challenges in the North American climate. Attaining the PHIUS designation shows our clients and colleagues that we remain focused on long lasting, energy efficient homes and buildings.
What is a Passive House?
The term Passive House applies to all types of buildings, from houses to skyscrapers. Based on building science, Passive House design principles are used to gain maximum energy efficiency and interior comfort. Design and construction use careful energy modeling and balance of heat emissions from appliances and occupants to keep the building comfortable while maximizing energy efficiency.
Passive Houses generally achieve energy savings of 80-90 percent through super-insulation and airtight building envelopes, highly efficient HVAC systems, energy recovery ventilation, high-performance windows, solar shading, and moisture control.
For more information, visit the Passive House Institute US at http://www.phius.org.
Passive House in 90 Seconds
Watch this video by Cody Farmer for a quick and simple overview:
Passive House In Progress
Hugh Lofting is currently collaborating with homeowners Phil and Melinda Roberts, C2 Architecture, and a team of subcontractors to design and build a PHIUS certified home in Burlington County, N.J. This is not a typical design-bid-build process where each member hands off to another. Instead, the Roberts House represents a truly successful collaboration between architect, builder, and sub-contractors in a hybrid design-build partnership, not just contractually, but through mutual trust and respect.
Follow along on our shared blog that highlights different perspectives on the journey from design through construction: