Passive House Principles
I often use the phrase high-performance building to describe what I do. When I say this, I’m mostly referring to the use of passive house principles, now called passive building principles. When combined, these principles produce deep energy use reductions, superior indoor comfort and air quality, and long-term durability. They are rooted in building science and vetted through modeling and testing. Coupled with on-site renewable energy, these principles put zero energy use within reach. To learn more, visit the Phius website.
Building Science
Many people don’t know that there is such a thing as Building Science, but people have been studying and researching this topic for decades. Nowadays we understand how buildings work better than ever; and we can harness that potential to build buildings that conserve energy, are healthier and more durable.
Builder Collaboration
Having spent many years at a design-build company, I have learned a lot about the builder’s perspective. I’ve supported construction budgeting and value engineering efforts, gained an understanding about what design elements cost more than others, and witnessed the value of a collaborative process with a builder. I intend to continue this collaboration in my own practice, working with client’s builders to get feedback on construction costs early and specifying building methods based on practical approaches, local expertise and material availability.
Centerline was established to create a practice that integrates the philosophies below and finds balance in the middle where the pieces overlap.
An Integrated Approach
Design for Humans
The spaces we inhabit have a profound effect on us. Spatial configuration and flow, views, daylight, air quality, and thermal comfort can support and enrich our lives, while their absence can subtly work against us.
Healthy Air: The quality of the air we breathe affects our health. As we increase the airtightness of our buildings, we must introduce filtered fresh air. This reduces our exposure to particulates, allergens, and high CO2 levels which can affect sleep, concentration and more. Fresh air is a key component of our daily lives. We evolved to breathe it.
Aging in Place: I’ve worked with several clients who were building their retirement homes and wanted to ensure they could live in their house comfortably as they grew older. Locating all the spaces needed for everyday living on one floor, providing wider doorways with door levers, eliminating steps to the garage or planning for future grab bars are all examples of ways to accommodate mobility issues.
Better Space, but Less: Good design can reduce the amount of square footage you need while creating a more pleasant environment to be in. Often, a large space that is poorly designed is no better than a small one. This is not to say that all spaces should be small, but rather that designing with intention and responding to how people interact with their environment can produce spaces that are both more efficient and delightful. This can be achieved with more efficient and creative layouts, rooms filled with daylight, views through adjacent spaces, carefully considered ceiling heights and more.