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Collection by Heather Corcoran
Editor’s Pick

15+ Passive Modern Home Ideas

Whether you subscribe to the guidelines of Germany's Passivhaus Institut or you prefer PHIUS (Passive House Institute US) protocol, passive design principles are surprisingly simple. The philosophy looks back to traditional common-sense design moves such as considering the local climate and sunlight when siting a building and using thick insulation to reduce energy waste. Take a look at the following projects and primers for energy-efficient inspiration.

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Find out how Passive House standards are being integrated into affordable housing projects in the United States.
Find out how Passive House standards are being integrated into affordable housing projects in the United States.
The exterior was clad with LP SmartSide in alternating bands of textured and smooth siding and basement areaways are constructed of site-salvaged brick-filled gabions. Photo by: Eric Hausman Photography
The exterior was clad with LP SmartSide in alternating bands of textured and smooth siding and basement areaways are constructed of site-salvaged brick-filled gabions. Photo by: Eric Hausman Photography
Moskow Linn Architects of Boston tackled this ground-up renovation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for a client who wanted to maximize efficiency. Photo by Eric Roth.
Moskow Linn Architects of Boston tackled this ground-up renovation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for a client who wanted to maximize efficiency. Photo by Eric Roth.
The Greenest Home by Julie Torres Moskovitz is out now from Princeton Architectural Press; buy it on Amazon here.
The Greenest Home by Julie Torres Moskovitz is out now from Princeton Architectural Press; buy it on Amazon here.
An existing 1970s house was renovated to Passive House standards of construction, though the north-facing views and sheets of glass prevented it from meeting true Passive House energy calculations. The architects, Ryall Porter Sheridan, estimate that its "the second most energy-efficient structure on Long Island." Photo by: Ty Cole.
An existing 1970s house was renovated to Passive House standards of construction, though the north-facing views and sheets of glass prevented it from meeting true Passive House energy calculations. The architects, Ryall Porter Sheridan, estimate that its "the second most energy-efficient structure on Long Island." Photo by: Ty Cole.
Orient House (2012) on Long Island was an existing structure retrofitted by Ryall Porter Sheridan Architects to conform to Passive House green standards.
Orient House (2012) on Long Island was an existing structure retrofitted by Ryall Porter Sheridan Architects to conform to Passive House green standards.
Little Compton Retreat in Little Compton, Rhode Island, completed by ZeroEnergy Design in 2011. Photo by: Greg Premru.
Little Compton Retreat in Little Compton, Rhode Island, completed by ZeroEnergy Design in 2011. Photo by: Greg Premru.
The interior of an urban passive house by Loadingdock5, located at 174 Grand Street in Brooklyn. Photo by: Raimund Koch.
The interior of an urban passive house by Loadingdock5, located at 174 Grand Street in Brooklyn. Photo by: Raimund Koch.
First things first: What's a Passive House? They're well insulated, virtually airtight buildings who must meet strict energy efficiency requirements. The benefit is that building passive can decrease home heating consumption by an astounding 90% and decrease overall energy consumption up to 75%. Here, a mixed-use building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with a single-family home atop a retail space, all designed by Loadingdock5. Photo by: Raimund Koch.
First things first: What's a Passive House? They're well insulated, virtually airtight buildings who must meet strict energy efficiency requirements. The benefit is that building passive can decrease home heating consumption by an astounding 90% and decrease overall energy consumption up to 75%. Here, a mixed-use building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with a single-family home atop a retail space, all designed by Loadingdock5. Photo by: Raimund Koch.
With the challenge of fitting a four bedroom house on an oddly shaped plot, Merer's design aimed to maximize space. Cor-Ten steel makes up the home's distinctive exterior, a nod to the site's industrial roots. Glass, steel, and wood intersect on the second floor wrap-around deck.
With the challenge of fitting a four bedroom house on an oddly shaped plot, Merer's design aimed to maximize space. Cor-Ten steel makes up the home's distinctive exterior, a nod to the site's industrial roots. Glass, steel, and wood intersect on the second floor wrap-around deck.
Julie Torres Moskovitz, who designed New York’s first certified Passive House, recently finished her first book, The Greenest Home (Princeton Architectural Press), about the first wave of ultragreen homes in the United States (following the 40,000 already constructed in Europe). The title hits shelves in May 2013. Here, a custom stainless steel stair with treads of perforated steel replaces the old wood staircase in the rehabbed Park Slope brownstone.
Julie Torres Moskovitz, who designed New York’s first certified Passive House, recently finished her first book, The Greenest Home (Princeton Architectural Press), about the first wave of ultragreen homes in the United States (following the 40,000 already constructed in Europe). The title hits shelves in May 2013. Here, a custom stainless steel stair with treads of perforated steel replaces the old wood staircase in the rehabbed Park Slope brownstone.
To adhere to Passivhaus standards, the house has a tightly-sealed shell, a smart ventilation system, and plenty of windows to let in natural light.
To adhere to Passivhaus standards, the house has a tightly-sealed shell, a smart ventilation system, and plenty of windows to let in natural light.
The Passive House-certified home features high levels of insulation and high-performing, triple-glazed windows from Zola European Windows and Doors. Ample south-facing glazing is enhanced by exterior motorized aluminum shades, which can be lowered to block unwanted summer sun. A mahogany deck, finished with Penofin penetrating oil, hosts cafe chairs and a red table from Design Within Reach.
The Passive House-certified home features high levels of insulation and high-performing, triple-glazed windows from Zola European Windows and Doors. Ample south-facing glazing is enhanced by exterior motorized aluminum shades, which can be lowered to block unwanted summer sun. A mahogany deck, finished with Penofin penetrating oil, hosts cafe chairs and a red table from Design Within Reach.
The approximately 1076-square-foot, two-bedroom dwelling was built by architect Bernard Tulkens for his parents-in-law. It is the fifth certified Passive House to be completed in London. Natural Douglas fir flooring by Dinesen covers the living area, which contains shelving by Vitsoe.
The approximately 1076-square-foot, two-bedroom dwelling was built by architect Bernard Tulkens for his parents-in-law. It is the fifth certified Passive House to be completed in London. Natural Douglas fir flooring by Dinesen covers the living area, which contains shelving by Vitsoe.
In North Philadelphia, the Belfield Avenue Townhomes were built to Passive House standards, making the project much more energy-efficient than a conventional building. It is one of several multifamily structures that are being built in cities across the country for moderate-income families.
In North Philadelphia, the Belfield Avenue Townhomes were built to Passive House standards, making the project much more energy-efficient than a conventional building. It is one of several multifamily structures that are being built in cities across the country for moderate-income families.
Two hours north of New York City, an unusual barn emerges from a hill just off a country road. Its black siding and bright-red window frames hint at the imaginative playground inside. This space, with its rope-railed catwalk and indoor tent, is just one element of the multifaceted getaway architecture and design firm BarlisWedlick Architects designed for fund manager Ian Hague.
Two hours north of New York City, an unusual barn emerges from a hill just off a country road. Its black siding and bright-red window frames hint at the imaginative playground inside. This space, with its rope-railed catwalk and indoor tent, is just one element of the multifaceted getaway architecture and design firm BarlisWedlick Architects designed for fund manager Ian Hague.