#Sketchup house on hill how to

I’m a Certified Passive House Designer – CPHD with the international credential but I have little practical experience. My own limited knowledge of Passive House indicated that this house as designed thus far could attain Passive House certification with minimal extra effort. I have seen that model propel other firms into the limelight so I am aware of what power and potential in inherent in this thinking. I want to do more of this type of work in the future and will I ever get such a good opportunity to gain exposure, attention and build a reputation that to do a very attractive and relevant project at this highest level… and market it to the greatest extent possible. The clients (my in-laws) are understandably interested in that aspect of it - it relates to their son-in-law’s ability to financially support his wife and children. “Let me run some numbers” as the engineer or accountant would say. What have I to gain from doing this project as a full-on Certified Passive House? So what if the winter heating bills drop from $75/month to $25/month? Is that really worth all the extra effort and expense to go through certification? We don’t know the answer to that yet.

#Sketchup house on hill how to

This projects continues my exploration into the emotional aspects of “home” and how to use architecture to augment and reinforce the emotional connection to place. I hope, as usual, to show what can be accomplished when a highly functional and customized plan is also an emotionally uplifting place to live. We are currently exploring the feasibility of doing this house as a Passive house and seeking certification. I have encouraged the others to start writing as well and some of that will show up here on the blog as well for a more well-rounded perspective. I’m planning on documenting this project to a much higher level than I have in the past, partly because we are assembling something of a dream team to get this done and partly because I am using this project to redefine how I work in order to bring my own practice to a higher level. Sometimes I have so many half-baked ideas in my head that writing them down creates a jelling effect and helps me to clarify and focus my efforts.

I took a shot at writing down my own thoughts about the Greenfield project I’m doing for my wife’s folks.