Green → Sustainable → Durable → High Performance

High performance design is a holistic approach to building design that emphasizes energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant well-being. It integrates advanced technologies, smart systems, and sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact. Key features include efficient HVAC systems, renewable energy integration, natural lighting, and superior insulation. The design process involves close collaboration among architects, engineers, and other stakeholders from the outset. Overall, high performance design aims to create buildings that are environmentally responsible, cost-effective, and comfortable for users.

Some of our Tools and Thoughts

THE SIMPLE FACTS

According to AIA's Archtiecture 2030 Initiative, "The built environment is responsible for about 42% of annual global CO2 emissions - Of those total emissions, building operations are responsible for approximately 27% annually, while the embodied carbon of just four building and infrastructure materials – cement, iron, steel, and aluminum – are responsible for an additional 15% annually"

The responsible move is to decrease our impact on the planet and reducing embodied and operational carbon is a direct method of doing so, in personal and global terms.

SOLAR ANALYSIS TOOLS

Solar analysis tools provide critical insights into how sunlight interacts with a building throughout the year. They help identify the most effective locations and angles for solar panel installation, maximizing energy production. By modeling shading patterns, these tools also guide strategic placement of windows, overhangs, and vegetation to reduce unwanted heat gain. This optimization leads to lower cooling costs, enhanced daylighting, and improved occupant comfort. Ultimately, solar analysis supports smarter, more sustainable design decisions from concept to construction.

PASSIVE HOUSE US METr ENERGY MODELING

Passive House US utilizes advanced energy modeling tools to optimize building performance from the design stage. By using METr to simulate heat flow, air movement, and solar gain, we ensure every component of the building envelope works together for maximum efficiency. This precision modeling allows us to drastically reduce heating and cooling demands. The result is a highly insulated, airtight structure that maintains interior comfort with minimal energy use. With Passive House principles, we create buildings that are not just efficient—they're resilient, healthy, and future-ready

ENVELOPE TESTING

Virtual envelope testing allows designers to evaluate a building’s performance before it’s ever built. By simulating air and moisture movement through the envelope, it helps identify potential problem areas early in the design process. This proactive approach leads to tighter, more durable buildings with fewer costly surprises during construction. It also ensures energy goals are met by fine-tuning insulation, air barriers, and thermal bridges. With virtual testing, teams can confidently design envelopes that perform as beautifully as they look.

DETAILS

The little things matter. When you want an air-tight building envelope, ensuring a road map is available to follow and talking through means & methods with the builder are critical tasks. Ensuring water does not enter the building from outside is fundamental to a long-lasting structure.
Detailing and project follow-through are fundamentals of our sustainable design process.

THE FUTURE

The fate of the planet has in large part been placed into the hands of the individual, homeowner, builder, developer. Let's work to make this a better place for all humans (and other creatures of course).

SITE SHAPES STRUCTURE