
Passive House Podcast
Technology Podcasts
Interviews with the leaders, practitioners, and change-makers in the global Passive House movement. A production of Passive House Accelerator.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Technology Podcasts
Description:
Interviews with the leaders, practitioners, and change-makers in the global Passive House movement. A production of Passive House Accelerator.
Twitter:
@PHAccelerator
Language:
English
Contact:
2064220851
Episodes
239: Campus Firsts: Mass Timber and Carbon Goals in Maine
5/20/2025
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Architect Nat Madson and structural engineer Lauren Piepho of HGA join us to talk about Barry Mills Hall and the John and Lile Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies—Bowdoin College’s first mass timber buildings and the first of their kind in Maine. They share the story behind the design and construction, from early ideas sparked by the college’s pine-filled campus and carbon neutrality goals, to navigating mass timber systems, embodied carbon, and the buildings’ architectural dialogue with campus history.
Barry Mills Hall and the John and Lile Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies: https://hga.com/projects/bowdoin-college-barry-mills-hall-and-center-for-arctic-studies/
Bowdoin College’s case study of the project: https://www.bowdoin.edu/news/2020/pdf/furthering-mass-timber-construction---hga---consigli---bowdoin-college-22.pdf
Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.
Duration:01:05:41
238: Designing The Monarch with Vincent Bergeron
5/14/2025
In this episode of the hosts Mary James and Jay Fox sit down with Vincent Bergeron, an architect with Equipe A Architects in Quebec, to explore The Monarch—a groundbreaking social housing project in Sherbrooke. With 134 units guaranteed affordable for 35 years, this high-rise development is notable not only for its scale but for its ambitious pivot toward Passive House principles. Van shares how a tight timeline, a challenging site, and a collaborative team led to innovative choices in prefabrication, envelope design, and energy efficiency. Hear how a late-stage decision to pursue Passive House certification helped shape a healthier, more resilient living environment for low-income families, all while keeping costs in check.
https://equipea.ca/
Duration:00:57:00
TRE 07: Resilience, Retrofits and More
5/11/2025
In this seventh episode of The Reimagine Edit (TRE) series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Jessica Grove Smith, Mark Attard, Rainger Pinney, John Loercher, Galen Staengl, Mike Fowler, Cait Eggers, Sean Velez, Nidhi Shaw, and Lloyd Alter.
The Reimagine Edit is a special series of the Passive House Podcast that shares curated insights from our Experts-In-Residence at the Reimagine Buildings Collective, our membership community of building professionals stepping up to tackle climate change. Learn more about the Reimagine Buildings Collective at https://www.reimaginebuildings.com
Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.
Duration:00:27:42
237: Committing to Performance with Mark Anderson
5/7/2025
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast we are joined by Mark Anderson a Registered Master Builder, Licensed Building Practitioner, and Certified Passive House Tradesperson based in Wanaka, New Zealand. Mark founded MA Building in 2013, driven by a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation in residential construction. Growing up on building sites alongside his father, Mark developed a deep respect for the trade, which he now channels into creating high-performance, architecturally designed homes. His passion for Passive House principles stems from a desire to build healthier, more energy-efficient homes for future generations.
Connect with Mark Anderson:
Website: mabuilding.co.nz
Instagram: @mabuilding_wanaka
PHINZ Directory: M A Building Wanaka
Resources Mentioned:
MA Building Blog: Why I Chose Passive Homes: The Real Story
Passive House Institute New Zealand: passivehouse.nz
Duration:00:46:44
236: Insights from the International Builder Show with Shannon Pendleton of Source 2050
4/29/2025
This week on the Passive House Podcast, Jay and Mary welcome Shannon Pendleton, of Source 2050 and Sanderson Sustainable Design, to share her insights from the massive International Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas. From electrification trends to American-made high-performance windows, Shannon breaks down where the building industry is headed and how Source 2050 fits into the evolving landscape of sustainable building.
Source 2050 - https://source2050.com/
What is Good Wood?(article) - https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/what-is-good-wood-form-follows-forest
RB25 - https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/reimagine-buildings-2
Duration:01:00:22
235: Passive House Pools with Jessica Grove Smith
4/22/2025
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James and Jay Fox dive into passive leisure centers and indoor pool design with Jessica Grove-Smith, Senior Scientist and Joint Managing Director of the Passive House Institute. Jessica shares the story of how PHI began exploring high-humidity building typologies, the unique challenges of designing ultra-efficient recreation centers, and the lessons learned from pioneering projects in Germany and the UK—like the groundbreaking St. Sidwell's Point. From airtightness to evaporation reduction, this is Passive House design at its most dynamic.
https://passivehouse.com/
Duration:01:00:32
TRE 06: From Resilience to Prefab to Building the Future
4/19/2025
In this sixth episode of The Reimagine Edit (TRE) series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Carmel Pratt (Massive Passive AMA); Graham Irwin and Silas Patlove (Duck Curve Friday AMA); Lloyd Alter (Sufficiency First AMA); Sara Kudra, Bev Craig, Rainger Pinney, Kristof Irwin, and Alexander Gard-Murray (BuildingEnergy Boston Recap); Ilka Cassidy and Greg Leskien (PH Panelization AMA); and Andrew Peel (Passive House Modeling AMA).
The Reimagine Edit is a special series of the Passive House Podcast that shares curated insights from our Experts-In-Residence at the Reimagine Buildings Collective, our membership community of building professionals stepping up to tackle climate change. Learn more about the Reimagine Buildings Collective at https://www.reimaginebuildings.com
Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.
Duration:00:41:52
234: Building Passive Schools with Architype
4/15/2025
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James sits down with Hugh Pierce, architect and Passive House lead at the UK-based firm Architype. Known for trailblazing sustainable educational design, Archetype is behind landmark projects like the UK’s first Passive House secondary school. Hugh shares insights into the London Docks Secondary School—an ambitious, airtight, biodiversity-rich oasis in the heart of London’s urban density. Tune in for a deep dive into Passive House design for schools.
https://www.architype.co.uk/
Duration:00:46:44
233: Reconstruct: The Next Generation
4/8/2025
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Ilka is at McGill University for the Reconstruct Workshop, a workshop bringing together students, researchers, and industry leaders to tackle the future of deep energy retrofits. Ilka sits down with emerging voices from architecture and engineering to unpack prefab innovation, the Single Integrated Manufacturing (SIM) model, and real-world pilot projects aimed at decarbonizing existing buildings. It's a behind-the-scenes look at how the next generation is shaping retrofit strategies that are scalable, sustainable, and socially impactful.
https://aeechair.research.mcgill.ca/en/initiatives/the-reconstruct-initiative
Duration:00:58:06
232: Making Passive Possible with Joseph Lyth
4/1/2025
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Matthew Cutler-Welsh sits down with Joseph Lyth an Associate Registered Architect, Certified Passive House Designer based in New Zealand. Joesph walks Matthew through his decision to build a passive house to create a healthier environment for his family. Believing that healthier, lower energy and affordable buildings are possible for everyone in New Zealand, at standard budgets.
Lower Saddle Passive House Tāhekeroa: https://nzgbc.org.nz/case-studies/lower-saddle-passive-house-t%C4%81hekeroa
Duration:00:50:49
231: Building the Movement: BuildingEnergy Boston '25
3/26/2025
In this special episode of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy is joined by Kristoff Irwin of Positive Energy at NESEA's BuildingEnergy Boston '25.
Ilka and Kristoff are joined by the following inspiring speakers and organizers of NESEA 25:
They dive in to the conferences main take aways, lessons learned, and calls to action.
Speaker links:
https://www.newframeworks.com/
https://carbonleadershipforum.org/
https://www.vtrural.org/
https://www.prismdesignlab.org/
https://positiveenergy.pro/
https://positiveenergy.pro/building-science-podcast
Ilkas call to action resources:
https://www.echo-project.info/
https://www.greencommons.net/peer-networks
https://www.climateheritage.org/
https://www.mep2040.org/
https://nesea.org/about-buildingenergy-bottom-lines
http://massdesigngroup.org/work/research/bio-based-materials-collective
https://www.buildersforclimateaction.org/
https://se2050.org/
Duration:00:58:41
TRE 05: Paradigms, Retrofits, and How To Sell Passive House (Mar 24, 2025)
3/24/2025
In this fifth episode of The Reimagine Edit (TRE) series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Ryan Abendroth (how to get into PH consulting), Michael Ingui (how to sell Passive Hosue), Kristof Irwin (paradigms in high performance building), and Tom Bassett-Dilley (retrofits and embodied carbon).
The Reimagine Edit is a special series of the Passive House Podcast that shares curated insights from our Experts-In-Residence at the Reimagine Buildings Collective, our membership community of building professionals stepping up to tackle climate change. Learn more about the Reimagine Buildings Collective at https://www.reimaginebuildings.com
Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.
Duration:00:40:03
230: Designing for Fire Resilience with Tonje Wold-Switzer
3/18/2025
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James and Jay Fox sit down with Tonje Wold-Switzer, Executive Director of the Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group. Tonje shares her personal journey of losing her home, navigating the recovery process, and advocating for fire-resilient, sustainable rebuilding solutions—including Passive House design. Tune in for insights on disaster response, and how communities can prepare for future wildfires.
How This Family Rebuilt Their Home Stronger after Wild Fire video: https://youtu.be/becjK7WMNXA
Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group: https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/OR3/Recovery/LongTermRecoveryGroup.aspx
Duration:01:00:53
229: Building Airtight Homes with Barry Cope
3/11/2025
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we welcome Barry Cope, Group Managing Director of the Building Compliance Testers Association (BCTA). Barry shares insights into airtightness testing, certification, and how the UK became a leader in 100% blower door testing for new buildings. He discusses the role of ATTMA, the evolution of the industry, and how airtightness impacts building performance, moisture control, and energy efficiency.
The Building Performance Hub: https://www.bcta.group/tbph/
The Building Performance Hub Podcast: https://www.bcta.group/tbph/tbph-podcasts/
Duration:00:48:02
228: Kirstie Wolf on Hempcrete & Resilient Homes
3/4/2025
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler-Welsh sits down with Kirstie Wolf of Shelter Building Design. Based in Australia’s Blue Mountains, Kirstie shares how she built her own hempcrete home, the benefits of this natural material, and how it stands up to fire, floods, and extreme weather. If you’re curious about sustainable building, passive house principles, or just love a great career change story, this one’s for you!
https://shelterbuildingdesign.com.au/
Duration:00:44:54
The Reimagine Edit 04: Fire Hardening, Circularity, and Healthy Interiors (Mar 3, 2025)
3/3/2025
In this fourth episode of The Reimagine Edit series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Andrew Michler (fire hardening), Tim Lock (designing beyond Passive House), Ed May (modeling), and Michelle Jacobson and Maria Lomanto (healthy interiors).
The Reimagine Edit is a special series of the Passive House Podcast that shares curated insights from our Experts-In-Residence at the Reimagine Buildings Collective, our membership community of building professionals stepping up to tackle climate change. Learn more about the Reimagine Buildings Collective at https://www.reimaginebuildings.com
Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.
Duration:00:34:13
227: Electrifying Kitchens with Chef Chris Galarza
2/25/2025
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we sit down with Chef Chris Galarza—founder of Forward Dining Solutions, co-founder of EcoChef, and author of Understanding the Green Industrial Revolution—to explore the powerful intersection of food, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Chris shares his journey from skeptic to advocate for kitchen electrification, highlighting how induction cooking transforms commercial kitchens by improving air quality, reducing costs, and boosting efficiency. We dive into his groundbreaking cooking demonstration for the U.S. Congress, the hidden economics of electrified kitchens, and how chefs can lead the charge toward a more responsible and sustainable future.
https://forwarddiningsolutions.com/ecochef
Duration:01:02:11
226: Fire-Resistant Design with Michael Marsh
2/18/2025
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James and Ilka Cassidy sit down with Michael Marsh, Principal of Sidekick Architecture in Los Angeles. Michael shares his journey into architecture and Passive House design, discusses the challenges of promoting energy efficiency in California’s mild climate, and explores the intersection of fire-resistant construction and sustainable building. From innovative ADUs to rebuilding fire-damaged homes, Michael provides insights on designing for the future while balancing aesthetics, cost, and performance.
https://sidekickarchitects.com/home-1
Duration:01:04:23
The Reimagine Edit 03: Modeling, Consulting, and Fire Resilience (Feb 15, 2025)
2/15/2025
In this third episode of The Reimagine Edit series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Skylar Swinford (modeling); Ed May, Lois Arena, and Marine Sanchez (Passive House consulting); and Mary James and Steve Quarles (fire resilience).
The Reimagine Edit is a special series of the Passive House Podcast that shares curated insights from our Experts-In-Residence at the Reimagine Buildings Collective, our membership community of building professionals stepping up to tackle climate change. Learn more about the Reimagine Buildings Collective at https://www.reimaginebuildings.com
Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.
Duration:00:20:05
225: Transforming Sydney’s Heritage Houses with Nick Sowden
2/11/2025
In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we chat with Nick Sowden of Sowden Building Solutions about the electrification of homes in Sydney, the shift away from gas, and deep energy retrofits. Nick shares insights on insulation upgrades, solar adoption, and how heritage homes can be transformed into high-performance, energy-efficient spaces. Plus, we discuss Australia’s growing incentives for electrification and why the transition to clean energy is becoming easier than ever.
https://www.sowdenbuildingsolutions.com.au/
Duration:00:36:17