I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.
—Thomas A. Edison
Here we share some observations about and snapshots of the Passive House we’re having built in Michigan. All photographs here were taken by Maura unless otherwise noted.
—Maura and Kurt Jung
HomeMonday, 11 March 2013
late winter rainfall
streaming swollen and homeward
to the sandhill cranes
Evening
Certificate of OccupancyMonday, 4 March 2013
We’re beginning to move boxes in.
This morning, Jay Frost sent word that he has completed the woodworking portion of the restoration of the 19th century carriage factory workbench that will be used as a dining table beneath the hanging lights.
Beginning of porch floor
Boxes in kitchen and parlor
Bookshelves in library
Main bedroom
Upstairs bath
First Holly Passive House ConferenceFriday, 15 February 2013
Today we had the pleasure of hosting a forum of professionals with a keen interest in Passive House technology and building practices. The occasion was the balancing of the Zehnder ComfoAir Ventilation System by Zehnder representative Kevin Rapp. Ed Shank, the engineer who served as energy consultant for our home, was present for the commissioning, as was Ed Marion, an active proponent and practitioner of Passive House construction from Oakville, Ontario. Chris Coon and Christina Snyder took time off from building their Passive House (documented at MIpassivehouse.us) to join the group. Christina, one of the first 13 Certified Passive House Consultants trained in the United States, is the architect who introduced us to the Passive House standard two years ago. Two representatives from Mitsubishi Electric, Scott Ansley and Greg Driscoll, and two representatives from Young Supply, Steve Niezur and Dennis Kurzawa, were present. The event was organized by our builder, Michael Klinger. Our house is very efficiently ventilated with a Zehnder energy recovery ventilator and will be almost entirely heated and cooled by two Mitusbishi mini split units.
Back: Dennis, Michael, Maura, Ed M, Ed S, Scott, Greg, Front: Kevin, Chris, Christina, Steve
Michael and Kevin adjusting duct in crawlspace
Kevin balancing ventilation system
Steve N and Ed S
Ed M and Steve in attic
Ed M in lunch forum
Kevin in lunch forum
Mitsubishi representatives examining outdoor units
During and after lunch, the group discussed a wide array of topics pertinent to Passive Houses, ranging from engineering details to public acceptance issues.
