Here we share some observations about and snapshots of the Passive House we had built in Oakland County, Michigan. All photographs were taken by us unless otherwise noted.

The drywall and mudding are complete. The energy recovery ventilator (ERV) has been functioning beautifully, and remarkably quietly, for a few days.

The ERV transfers thermal energy and moisture between fresh inbound air and stale outbound air. In the summer, fresh outdoor air is cooled and dehumidified, and in winter it is warmed and humidified, in each case by conserving the thermal energy and humidity of the indoor space. Eight of the sixteen flexible ducts pull air in from rooms, and eight supply air. Each duct carriers 12 cubic feet per minute. The interior of the ducts has a smooth lining to minimize air turbulence. The mechanical system assures that the air pressure within the house is balanced with the outdoors and that the inbound air is properly conditioned and filtered. The system as a whole changes the volume of the house every three hours.