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Why Choose Blackwell Built Construction for Your Passive House?
PHIUS-Certified Builder
Blackwell Built Construction is a PHIUS Certified Passive House Builder, meaning our team has been specially trained to meet the rigorous Passive House building standard. PHIUS (Passive House Institute US) certification ensures we understand and execute all the critical details – from meticulous air sealing and insulation techniques to proper heat-recovery ventilation installation – required to achieve Passive House performance. We are one of the few builders in the region with this credential, and we’re currently applying it in the field with a new home undergoing PHIUS certification. This expertise is like an extra layer of quality assurance for your project: you can be confident your Passive House will be built correctly and perform as promised. House or ultra-efficient home, let’s talk! Contact us to discuss your project – we’ll show you how we can deliver a home that meets the stringent Passive House standard and fits your vision. With Blackwell Built Construction as your Passive House builder, you’ll have an experienced partner to create a home that is truly built for the future – supremely efficient, comfortable, and beautiful.
Collaboration with Architects
If you’re an architect or designer seeking a builder for a Passive House project, Blackwell Built Construction is an ideal partner. We speak the language of high-performance building and can seamlessly collaborate to bring Passive House designs to life. Our team understands how to execute architectural details to meet PHIUS criteria – for example, implementing the specified air barrier strategy, thermal bridge-free detailing, and verifying the building meets the required 0.6 ACH50 airtightness standard. We can join the process early to provide input on constructability and cost optimization, ensuring your design’s intent is fully realized without compromise. Architects appreciate that working with a PHIUS-certified builder means smooth project delivery and a final product that will pass certification testing and delight the client.
Guidance for Homeowners
Guidance for Homeowners: For homeowners, building a Passive House may seem complex – but we make it straightforward. From day one, we educate and guide you through the Passive House process, explaining how each component of the home contributes to its comfort and efficiency. Our team handles the heavy technical lifting (energy modeling, blower door tests, sourcing specialized materials, etc.), so you can focus on the big picture of your dream home. We take pride in our craftsmanship and attention to detail – every Passive House we build is a showcase of quality. The payoff for you is a custom home that will far exceed a typical new home in comfort and performance. You’ll enjoy a lifetime of extremely low energy bills, a healthy indoor environment, and the satisfaction that your home is built to one of the highest standards in the world.
Located in Crestwood, KY, Blackwell Built Construction serves clients in Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati, Nashville, and beyond. We are passionate about bringing world-class Passive House technology to our Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio communities. If you’re considering a Passive House custom build, please contact us and we can help guide you through the process and answer any of your questions.
Benefits of Passive House
Ultra-Low Energy Use: Passive Houses use up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling than standard buildings, which translates to drastically lower utility bills and operational costs.
Exceptional Comfort: With thick insulation and airtight construction, Passive House interiors have consistent temperatures and no drafts, even during extreme weather. Occupants enjoy a quiet, cozy environment year-round without hot or cold spots.
Healthy Indoor Air: A balanced ventilation system with heat recovery provides a constant supply of fresh air while filtering out pollutants and moisture. This means superior indoor air quality – Passive House homes have fresh, mold-free air and no stuffiness, great for family health and comfort.
Durability & Quality: Passive House construction avoids moisture issues and thermal stresses by eliminating cold corners and condensation. The robust, well-sealed building envelope and high-quality components lead to a more durable home that requires less maintenance over time. Industry experts note that these homes are more durable and have better air quality than merely a code compliant build.
Eco-Friendly Performance: Using dramatically less energy to operate the house is beneficial not only for you but for the overall energy demands of our communities. Passive House is among the most long-term sustainable ways to build while reducing environmental impact. Most Passive House designs are also net-zero energy ready, meaning a modest solar array could offset the home's minimal energy needs giving you energy independence.
Long-Term Value: Energy-efficient homes tend to command higher resale value due to their comfort, quality, and low operating costs. A Passive House is an investment in long-term value – you save on bills every month and can expect strong property value for years to come, thanks to the home’s proven performance and durability.
What is Passive House
A Passive House (from the German Passivhaus) is a rigorous energy-efficiency building standard that drastically reduces a home’s energy use while providing superior comfort and indoor air quality. Passive House buildings can achieve up to 90% energy savings for heating and cooling compared to conventional structures. They accomplish this through key design principles: a tightly sealed, super-insulated building envelope free of thermal bridges (eliminating any cold spots), high-performance windows, and a ventilation system with heat recovery that supplies continuous fresh air without unpleasant drafts. Thanks to these features, Passive Houses maintain an even, comfortable indoor temperature year-round with minimal active heating or cooling, and they offer quiet, healthy interiors with good air quality. By marrying ultra-low energy consumption with excellent livability, Passive House design appeals to homeowners for its comfort and savings and to professionals for its proven performance and sustainability.