passive house design

At BaseCamp Design Workshop, we create homes that are healthy, comfortable, and built to last—no matter where you live.

While our offices are in Portland, Maine, our team focuses on designing each project appropriately for its unique local surroundings. From Texas to Maine, we make sure your home is cozy, efficient, and good for the planet. We do this by following Passive House principles, a top standard for energy-smart homes.

about passive house design

what is passive house?

Passive House, overseen by PHIUS (Passive House Institute US), is the leading standard for energy-efficient homes. It focuses on climate-specific insulation, airtight building envelopes, and balanced ventilation. These homes use up to 85% less energy for heating and cooling than conventional homes, delivering exceptional comfort and superior indoor air quality. Passive House is adaptable to any climate, minimizing your carbon footprint and utility bills while providing durable, healthy living spaces.

Right Sized Insulation & Keeping Outside Air Out

A Passive House is wrapped in continuous insulation and built to keep outside air from sneaking in. This means your home stays warm in winter, cool in summer, and peaceful all year. We pay close attention to every detail so your home is cozy and strong.

Fresh Air All the Time

Fresh air is important for a healthy home. Passive House homes use a special system that constantly brings in clean air and removes stale air, while keeping your home warm and comfortable. You’ll always breathe easy, and your home will stay just the right temperature.

Smart Windows and Sunlight

We use top-quality windows and carefully plan how sunlight enters your home. In winter, the sun helps warm your space; in summer, smart shading keeps things cool. This means less need for heating or air conditioning, saving you money and energy.

Energy Modeling for Comfort and Savings

Every Passive House project starts with detailed energy modeling tailored to your climate and site. Using advanced software, we simulate home performance, optimizing insulation, window placement, and mechanical systems for maximum efficiency and comfort. This ensures your home provides reliable performance, long-term savings, and peace of mind.

Why Choose BaseCamp Design Workshop?

Choosing BaseCamp Design Workshop means partnering with a team experienced in sustainable, high-performance design. We combine technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to local context, guiding you from concept to certification. With BaseCamp, your Passive House will be thoughtfully designed, expertly executed, and uniquely suited to your needs and location.

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Testimonials

"Taylor's designs for our extensive home renovation and addition are superb. They are, in the end, just what we wanted. And we wouldn't have known just what we wanted without going through the design process with Taylor. To that process, Taylor brought clear convictions, an easygoing manner, and open ears and eyes to our family's specific needs and desires. And, Taylor's work with contractors and other vendors has been superbly professional and entirely focused on our best interests. I'd happily recommend Taylor to anyone looking for an architect."

-Stokes, Client

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