It's Official: California's First Passive House is Extreme Green

SONOMA, Calif., July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The O'Neill Passive House Retrofit Project by Solar Knights Construction is the first passive house certified in California and the first retrofit passive house in the country. The project recently received certification from the Passive House Institute U.S. (PHIUS).

A passive house is a virtually airtight building that minimizes air losses and energy demand by combining superior insulation, efficient windows and an energy recovery ventilation system. A retrofit passive house refers to replacing an existing home's "active" heating and cooling systems with a voluntary, ultra-low energy system. Passive buildings use at least 70 percent less energy than traditional homes with active systems, resulting in extreme energy conservation and significant cost savings to the homeowner.  

"This is a tremendous milestone in the American passive house movement," said Rick Milburn, the owner of Solar Knights Construction and one of the first U.S. builders to be certified as a passive house consultant. "We're ecstatic to have done the first passive house in California and the first retrofit passive house project in the United States. These homes are truly the future of energy efficient building. In fact, they can be powered with the same amount of energy it takes to run a hair dryer."

Despite the O'Neill home's dedication to extreme energy efficiency, Milburn and homeowner Cathy O'Neill are not sacrificing design aesthetic or comfort. The group of builders, architects and designers are remodeling the homeowner's existing structure to create a stylish, modern farmhouse architectural style. O'Neill has hired Jann Blazona as the lead designer. Blazona is a Napa-based designer known for her simple, nuanced style that creatively blends interior and exterior environments.

"Like Rick, I feel strongly that passive design is the future of sustainable home design, so I wanted to incorporate these principles into my remodel," said owner Cathy O'Neill.  "This house is highly energy efficient; and it is also aesthetically pleasing. It is an heirloom that I will pass down to the next generation."

The O'Neill passive house is scheduled to be complete by early September and information on a public tour will be announced in August. For more information about the home, visit www.solar-knights.com.

About Solar Knights Construction

Solar Knights Construction Inc. is a family of quality-oriented craftspeople dedicated to sustainable construction and renovation of buildings and homes. Founded in 1996, it is based in Napa, California.

SOURCE Solar Knights Construction