Sacramento-based architects Bronwyn Barry, founder of residential design firm Passive House BB, and Andrew Turner, CEO of GoodSpace High Performance Builders, have collaborated to convert an 82-year-old bungalow in Sacramento, CA into a larger living space for the family since they’d outgrown the home, as well as safeguard them from environmental hazards such as heatwaves, cold snaps, wildfire smoke, and pollen.
Passive homes are designed to be well-insulated, airtight structures that use natural sources such as sunlight and shade to provide heating and cooling. These homes must adhere to a rigorous set of standards to obtain Passive House certification. They must be well-sealed, have high-performance doors and windows, provide continuous insulation, and incorporate measures to control mold and mildew.
Both builders have incorporated as many green elements as possible into the bungalow to make it eco-friendly while retaining its quaint architectural style. The home includes triple-pane windows, sheep’s wool and hemp board for insulation, a mechanical ventilation system to continuously circulate and filter the air, rooftop solar panels and battery storage, and electric vehicle charging.
“It’s a high-quality, comfortable place to live. There are health aspects connected to living in a space that stays an even temperature and provides continuous fresh, filtered air,” Barry says.
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