When clients approached Portland–based In Situ Architecture to construct a new dwelling for their small family, they had several requests. Not only were they looking to build a property with enough space to accommodate frequent visits from in-laws, they were also looking to create an eco-friendly, non-toxic home that would be extremely energy efficient.

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"Although certification wasn’t their initial goal, Passivhaus provided the perfect benchmark to ensure that the home would satisfy expectations," explains Jeff Stern, the principle of In Situ Architecture, a firm known for their energy-efficient systems.

Designed to meet the Passivhaus standard (yet not certified), the resulting 2,700-square-foot home—also known as the 18th Avenue House—features airtight construction, while employing continuous exterior insulation. It houses high-performing triple glazed windows, as well as a super-efficient heat recovery ventilator to maintain comfortable temperatures and healthy indoor air quality.

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Project Credits:

Architect of Record: In Situ Architecture, Jeff Stern

Builder/General Contractor: JRA Green Building, Inc, James Arnold

Structural Engineer: Structural Department, Zac Blodget

Photography: Built Photo

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