Haas Architecture delivers Boise Passive House, a jewel of the sustainable lifestyle and geometrical architecture, with delicate precision. Projected on the edge of Crestline Range with a terrific bird's eye view of Boise, Idaho, this architectural masterpiece was to be made in the image of the "forever" house intended to be home to a happy family with five members. Under the vision of Christopher Haas, the design team's leadership embarked on a journey to achieve an interaction and harmony between ultra-modern design and the stewardship of the environment.
(Photo: Joe Fletcher)
Sustainable Design Principles
Sustainability, resilience, well-being, and ecological preservation are Boise Passive House's fundamental priorities, and they tirelessly seek the utmost efficiency in the construction. From its placement in space to the use of the latest energy-saving technologies, these criteria were the key focus of the designers. To supplement the residents' living experience, the architects intentionally faced the home's field of view towards the majestic Owyhee Mountain range, merging comfort with splendid natural sceneries.
The unstoppable chase for saving energy underlines the project of the fundamental principle of energy efficiency. Special attention to the orientation, suitable materials, and massing that the design team worked on made the home's energy consumption scale as low as possible with the absence of the home's intended architecture. To convey the eco-consciousness of the building, the roof that has no partial is built through elaborated 3D solar models. This design is innovative due to harnessing the sun's immense energy and improving thermal comfort by mitigating the passage of solar heat during the sizzling summer season.
To achieve the set goal of net-zero energy, the development project, Boise Passive House, incorporated pre-fabricated parts, like Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). The environmentally friendly building materials used in the project's construction made processes faster and cut costs, labor, and material waste. It shows that the project emphasizes more than the risk-taking factor; it also emphasizes green consciousness.
Besides, the home that boasts natural materials, skilled light and ventilation strategies, and a mindful design will all attest to the free space the home creates for the dwellers. Boise Passive House, being a living example of the transformative potential capable of modern architectural achievements and green-friendly policies adequately integrated with the conscientious approach in design, gains even greater significance and recognition. By involving new drawing exercises and bold projects, this architectural object becomes a breakthrough for sustainable living both in the way of thinking and practice, involving communities to choose a greener residence.
