ALMOST-PASSIVE DESIGN
Imagine a home that’s always comfortable.
In winter, you’re wrapped in quiet, even warmth—no drafts, no hot-and-cold spots. In summer, the house stays cool and the air is fresh and healthy, even in wildfire season. Your energy bills are surprisingly low, and your home treads lightly on the planet.
That’s the vision behind Passive House design—a proven, science-based method of design and construction that makes homes healthier, more comfortable, and dramatically more energy-efficient. Lincoln and his team are Certified Passive House Designers.
Passive House Certification
The Passive House standard, created in Germany in the 1990s, is one of the most rigorous building comfort and efficiency standards in the world. PH homes are super-insulated, airtight, and designed to maximize sun penetration in winter while blocking excess heat in summer. They require only minimal heating and cooling, typically through a whisper-quiet ventilation system that continuously filters fresh outside air while capturing energy from the outgoing exhaust air. Projects go through a rigorous and time consuming certification process to obtain the official “Passive House Certified” title.
Almost passive
But going for full certification isn’t always the smartest choice. It was designed for European climates, and in places like coastal California, with a milder, Mediterranean climate, chasing every last requirement can drive up costs without significant improvements in comfort or efficiency.
At LLA, we are finding that an “almost-passive” approach— prioritizing the Passive House strategies of air sealing, insulation, controlled ventilation, and efficient HVAC systems, while tailoring details to local climate, budget, and lifestyle - can give clients the best of all worlds. For example, instead of building ultra-thick walls, we might focus on airtightness and straightforward insulation upgrades to the existing walls—solutions that transform comfort without onerous costs.
The benefits of almost-passive design:
Lower initial and long-term costs – reduced construction costs (vs. full PH), energy bills and maintenance.
Greater comfort & health – consistent temperatures and fresh, filtered air.
Smarter sustainability – balancing resources between your home and other green investments, like electric cars.
Triple bottom line results – benefits for people, planet, and pocketbook.
By adapting Passive House principles intelligently, we create homes that are innovative, efficient, and built around you - not just the standards.
Ready to learn more?
Whether you’re dreaming of a certified Passive House or want to explore the “almost-passive” path that’s best for you, we’d love to help you design a home that’s beautiful, efficient, and truly yours. Reach out for a free initial consultation.