This slideshow as part of a Passive House Alliance Minneapolis/ St. Paul lecture series in the fall of 2012. It features the MinnePHit House in South Minneapolis designed by TE Studio. The slideshow contains a lot of full-screen images but no subtitles, therefore omitting some of the information which would have been given verbally during the presentation.

1. holistic design for
sustainable homes
• comfort
• economy
• ecology
• quality
• durability
• beauty
• functionality
• health
STUDIO:
3429 Benjamin St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
612-246-4670
testudio.com
CERTIFIED PASSIVE HOUSE™ CONSULTANT

2. Holistic Energy Reduction Retrofit
With Passive House Tools
The MinnePHit House
Minneapolis, MN [Climate Zone 6]

3. Minneapolis
+ EnerPHit
= MinnePHit

4. Holistic Energy Reduction Retrofit
≠
Weatherization

8. Passive House Institute
Dr. Wolfgang Feist
Rheinstraße 44/46
64283 Darmstadt
Germany
www.passivehouse.com
+i
EnerPHit and EnerPHit
Certification Criteria for Energy Retrofits with Passive House Components
If an energy retrofit of an existing building meets Passive House criteria (for new builds), it,
too, can be certified as a Certified Passive House.
It is, however, often difficult to feasibly achieve the Passive House Standard in older
buildings for a variety of reasons. Passive House technology for relevant building
components in such buildings does, nevertheless, lead to considerable improvements with
respect to thermal comfort, structural longevity, cost-effectiveness over the building lifecycle
and energy use.
Buildings that have been retrofitted with Passive House components and, to a great extent,
with exterior wall insulation can achieve EnerPHit certification as evidence of both building
quality and fulfilment of specific energy values. The EnerPHit+i designation is applied if
more than 25 % of the opaque exterior wall surface has interior insulation.

9. 1935

14. • 2 stories + basement
• 1,200 finished SF
• 2 bedrooms
• 1 bath
• 5 people

16. Prior Airport Noise Retrofit

17. Windows with Storms

18. Mechanicals

19. Airtightness
Initial Test
8.5 ACH50 [2,100 CFM50]

20. Pre-Existing Conditions

26. So, Where Are We?
• Structure ✓
• Weather Barrier?
• Insulation ✗
• Airtightness ✗
• Moisture Management ✓
• Ventilation/ Air Quality ✗
• Comfort ✗ ✗
• Daylight ✗
• Durability (30 years?)
• Design (Sign of the Times)

27. Where do we go?

28. Laundry List
• + 3 Bedrooms
• + 2 Baths
• + Mudroom
• Better kitchen
• Better living areas
• Homeschool room
• Safe stairs
• Weather-tight envelope
• Durable structure
• Healthy interiors
• Comfort & daylight
• Low operating cost
• Energy performance

30. How do we get there?

31. Sports car?

32. Holistic Approach
• Set goals for performance and design
• Overlay architectural program
• Make the home safe for people (code compliance)
• Control temperature, air, and moisture
• Add ventilation
• Make the envelope air- and weather-tight
• Add continuous insulation to meet the energy goals
• Assess moisture transfer through shell
• Implement robust climate zone-appropriate assemblies

33. Energy Targets
Reduce loads and air-leakage to meet Passive House
retrofit standard (EnerPHit)
• Heating load reduction: 80% +
• Overall energy use reducation: 2/3
• Airtightness increase: 10 X

34. Pragmatic
Concept

35. Basement Floor Plan
PERIMETER OF STRUCTURE ABOVE
UNEXCAVATED
UP
DEMO STAIR BATH
- DEMO & SALVAGE FIXTURES
DEMO FLOOR SLAB
& EXCAVATE FOR NEW
ASSEMBLY
CHIMNEY ABOVE
DEMO GLASS BLOCK
DEMO AND REPLACE & FILL TO MATCH
LOAD BEARING WALL FND. WALL
& FOUNDATION
TEMP. BRACE FLOOR
2x10s 2x10s
@ 16" O.C. @ 16" O.C.
LAUNDRY ROOM WORKOUT ROOM
REPLACE GLASS BLOCK
W/ EGRESS WNDWS

36. Basement Floor Plan
PERIMETER OF STRUCTURE ABOVE
1. Retrofit
2. Reconstruction
UNEXCAVATED
3. Addition
UP
UP
DEMO STAIR BATH
- DEMO & SALVAGE FIXTURES
DEMO FLOOR SLAB
& EXCAVATE FOR NEW
ASSEMBLY
CHIMNEY ABOVE
DEMO GLASS BLOCK
DEMO AND REPLACE & FILL TO MATCH
LOAD BEARING WALL FND. WALL
& FOUNDATION
TEMP. BRACE FLOOR
2x10s 2x10s
@ 16" O.C. @ 16" O.C.
LAUNDRY ROOM WORKOUT ROOM
REPLACE GLASS BLOCK
W/ EGRESS WNDWS

37. Basement Floor Plan
3
UP
1 2 3
1. Homeschool Room
2. Mechanical
3. Unexcavated

38. First Floor Plan
ENTRY VEST.
SOFFIT
REMOVE AND SALVAGE KID'S ROOM
V.I.F.
DOORS AS INDICATED
2x
DEMO FLOOR SYSTEM
DEMO FLOOR SYSTEM
ABOVE SLAB
ABOVE SLAB
DN
DN
UP
DN
DEMO STAIRS,
UP AND DOWN
DN
REMOVE AND SALVAGE DEMO LANDING
WNDWS, TYP.
BRICK CHIMNEY,
SEAL AIRTIGHT KITCHEN
- DEMO ALL BUILT-INS
- DEMO & SALVAGE EQUIPMENT
LIVING ROOM
DEMO EXIST. SOFFIT
DINING ROOM
2x10s 2x10s
V.I.F. V.I.F.

39. First Floor Plan
ENTRY VEST. 1. Retrofit
SOFFIT
REMOVE AND SALVAGE KID'S ROOM 2. Reconstruction
V.I.F.
DOORS AS INDICATED
2x
DEMO FLOOR SYSTEM
ABOVE SLAB
DEMO FLOOR SYSTEM 3. Addition
ABOVE SLAB
D W
DN
DN
UP
DN
DEMO STAIRS,
UP AND DOWN
DN
REMOVE AND SALVAGE DEMO LANDING
WNDWS, TYP.
BRICK CHIMNEY,
SEAL AIRTIGHT KITCHEN
- DEMO ALL BUILT-INS
REF
- DEMO & SALVAGE EQUIPMENT
LIVING ROOM
DEMO EXIST. SOFFIT
DINING ROOM
2x10s 2x10s
V.I.F. V.I.F.

40. First Floor Plan
8 1 2 3 9
D W
10
6
1. Entry
REF
2. Powder room
3. Mud room/ laundry 4 5
4. Living room
5. Kitchen
6. Dining area
7
7. Family area
8. Covered entry
9. Rear entry
10.Patio

41. Second Floor Plan
OFFICE
DEMO ROOF SYSTEM
ABOVE ENTRY
DEMO STAIR &
LANDINGS
DN
DEMO
DN BALCONY
DN
BATH
- DEMO & SALVAGE FIXTURES
DN
BRICK CHIMNEY
REMOVE AND SALVAGE
DOORS AS INDICATED
MASTER BEDROOM BEDROOM
REMOVE AND SALVAGE
WNDWS, TYP.

42. Second Floor Plan
1. Retrofit
2. Reconstruction
OFFICE
DEMO ROOF SYSTEM
ABOVE ENTRY 3. Addition
DEMO STAIR &
LANDINGS
DN
DEMO
DN BALCONY
DN
BATH
- DEMO & SALVAGE FIXTURES
DN
BRICK CHIMNEY
REMOVE AND SALVAGE
DOORS AS INDICATED
MASTER BEDROOM BEDROOM
REMOVE AND SALVAGE
WNDWS, TYP.

43. Second Floor Plan
1
7 2
8
1. Bedroom 1
2. Bedroom 2
3. Master Bedroom 6 4 3
4. Master Closet.
5. Master Bath 5
6. Bedroom 3
7. Kid’s Bath
8. Toilet Room

44. High-Performance Concept
DEEP ENERGY REDUCTION RETROFIT (AFTER) TYPICAL EXISTING BUILDING (BEFORE)
OPTIONAL SOLAR THERMAL
OR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC
SO ADIN R)
SH MM
LA
(SU
SUPPLY AIR
R
G
E
PAS
SIVE
HEA S
T GA OLAR
(WIN IN
TER S EXTRACT AIR
)
RETROFIT CONDITION EXISTING CONDITION
INTERNAL
- ADVANCED WINDOWS - INSUFFICIENT INSULATION
HEAT GAINS
AND DOORS - LOW-PERFORMANCE
- PEOPLE
- AIR-TIGHTNESS LAYER WINDOWS AND DOORS
- EQUIPMT.
- CONTINUOUS INSULATION - AIR LEAKAGE
PACKAGE - NO VENTILATION
EXHAUST
AIR-INTAKE
RETROFIT CONDITION EXISTING CONDITION
HEAT-RECOVERY LARGE "ACTIVE"
- WATER PROOFING - NO WATER PROOFING
VENTILATION & MECHANICAL SYSTEM
AND MANAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT
SMALL HEATER - FURNACE OR BOILER
- ADDED INSULATION - NO INSULATION AT AND
- MITIGATION OF BELOW GRADE
THERMAL BRIDGES - THERMAL BRIDGES

45. TYPICAL VENTED COLD ROOF ASSEMBLY (R-77)
TRUSS BEARING
Assemblies
NOTE: REMOVE EXISTING ROOF STRUCTURE,
BUILD PERIMETER KNEE WALL AND SET NEW
TRUSSED HIP ROOF PER STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS
EXTERIOR
• STANDING SEAM METAL ROOFING @ 16" O.C.
• GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD HT
ROOFING UNDERLAYMENT,
WEATHER RESISTANT BARRIER
• 3/4" PLYWOOD STRUCTURAL SHEATHING
• ATTIC AIRSPACE, OR VENT CHUTES
• STRUC. TRUSSES @ 24" O.C. WITH MIN.
20" CELLULOSE INSULATION
• 5/8" OSB SHEATHING, SEAL JOINTS AIRTIGHT
VAPOR BARRIER, AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER
• Walls a/ grade: R-10 to R-44 • 6" INSTALLATION CAVITY WITH SUSPENSION
SYSTEM
• 5/8" WALLBOARD CEILING
INTERIOR
@ OUTSIDE OF STUDWALL
• Walls b/ grade: R-1 to R-30+ SNOW GUARDS PER MANUF.
20"
MAINTAIN CONT. AIR BARRIER W/ SIGA VENT CHUTES
BRAND TAPE AT SHEATHING TO TOP PLATE
• Roof: R-20 to R-77 10 3/4"
T.O. KNEEWALL
+1'-8"
• Slab: R-1 to R-25
2
CLEAR
10
5 1/2"
7"
CONT. VENTING
GUTTER
EXIST. ROOF FRAMING 24"
TO BE DEMO'D
9 1/4"
MAINTAIN CONT. AIR BARRIER W/ SIGA
BRAND TAPE AT SHEATHING TO TOP PLATE
1 1/2"
T.O. ADDITION R.O.s
+0'-0 1/2"
RETROFIT FRAMING
T.O. EXISTING WALL
0'-0"
EXIST. WALL T.O. EXISTING R.O.
± 9 1/4"
-0'-3"
RETROFIT WALL
EXIST. WALL
TYPICAL ABOVE GRADE WALL RETROFIT (R-44)
INTERIOR
• EXISTING WALLBOARD & FINISH TYPICAL ABOVE GRADE RETROFIT (R-44)
• EXISTING FRAMING WITH
3-1/2" DENSE PACK INSULATION, 3.5 LBS/ CU FT ASSUMED EXISTING WALL ASSEMBLY
• EXISTING SHEATHING INTERIOR
• 5/8" OSB SHEATHING: SEAL JOINTS AIRTIGHT • PLASTER
VAPOR BARRIER, AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER • WALLBOARD
• 9-1/2" I-JOIST FURR FRAMING @ 24 O.C. WITH • 2X4 FRAMING,
DENSE-PACK CELLULOSE INSULATION, 3.5 LBS/ CU FT DENSE-PACK WITH CELLULOSE INSULATION (ADDED)
• 1/2" BUILDRITE SHEATHING 3.5 LBS/ CU FT
• WINDWASH BARRIER • EXTERIOR SHEATHING
WEATHER RESISTANT BARRIER
• 3/4" VENT SPACE (1X FRAMING) RETROFIT WALL ASSEMBLY
• CEMENT BOARD LAP SIDING • 5/8" OSB SHEATHING: SEAL JOINTS AIRTIGHT
EXTERIOR VAPOR BARRIER, AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER
CONTINUOUS 5/8" SHEATHING • 9-1/2" I-JOIST FURR FRAMING @ EXIST. STUDS WITH
CONNECTS EXISTING AND NEW CONSTRUCTION DENSE-PACK CELLULOSE INSULATION, 3.5 LBS/ CU FT
VAPOR BARRIER & AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER WEATHER RESISTANT BARRIER (WRB) • 1/2" FIBERBOARD SHEATHING (BILDRITE OR SIM.)
AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER & VAPOR RETARDER (AB & VR) • WINDWASH BARRIER
WEATHER RESISTANT BARRIER
• 3/4" VENT SPACE (1X FRAMING)
• CEMENT BOARD LAP SIDING
EXTERIOR
INSECT SCREEN
7-1/2" TRIM
BACKFILL
TYPICAL SLAB RETROFIT (R-25)
NOTE: REMOVE EXISTING SLAB & EXCAVATE TO
ACCOMODATE RETROFIT ASSEMBLY
INTERIOR
• 4" CONCRETE SLAB WITH
RADIANT IN-FLOOR HEATING SYSTEM
• 6-MIL POLY
TYPICAL BELOW GRADE RETROFIT (R-40)
VAPOR BARRIER & AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER
SEAL AIRTIGHT AT ALL JOINTS AND PROTRUSIONS INTERIOR
• 6" BELOW GRADE EPS INSULATION BOARD, • 5/8" WALL BOARD
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH PER SE • 3-1/2" STEEL FRAMING @ 24" O.C. WITH
• MIN. 2" GRAVEL MIN. 2" CLOSED CELL SPRAY FOAM INSULATION
EXTERIOR VAPOR BARRIER & AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER
• EXIST. CONCRETE WALL
• (2) 3" EXTERIOR GRADE EPS INSULATION (EIFS)
• STO FLEXYL (EIFS)
WEATHER RESISTANT BARRIER & FINISH
(TIE TO FACE OF FOOTING)
EXTERIOR

46. WEATHER RESISTANT BARRIER (WRB)
AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER & VAPOR RETARDER (AB & VR)
4" 5 1/2"
Details
DRIP EDGE
7-1/4" TRIM AIRTIGHT
CONNECTION
ROUGH OPENING
OPT. 2X4
3/4"
EXIST. R.O.
5-1/2" TRIM
WINDOW R.O.
ROUGH OPENING
EPS WEDGE REFERENCE DETAILS: STO DRIP EDGE
- STO W 710
EPS INFILL - STO W 425-2 STO FINISH PROFILE
8 7/8" (225 MM)
AIRTIGHT
CONNECTION
L-SECTION
END CAP
3-1/2" TRIM
COMPRESSION
TAPE
8 7/8" (225 MM)
WINDOW R.O.
U-SECTION
END CAP
1 3/4"
BLOCK R.O.
TYPICAL EXTERIOR WINDOW ELEVATION TYPICAL WINDOW HEAD & SILL TYPICAL WINDOW HEAD & SILL, BASEMENT
1 SCALE: 3" = 1'-0" 2 SCALE: 3" = 1'-0" 5 SCALE: 3" = 1'-0"
EXIST. ROUGH OPENING INTERIOR
1 3/4"
RETROFIT ROUGH OPENING
EXTENSION
EXT. JAMB
INT. JAMB
ROUGH OPENING 1" POLYISOCYANURATE FOAM BOARD
ROUGH OPENING
3/4" PLYWOOD BUCK
DC260
AIR TIGHT CONNECTION
AIRTIGHT 7" (180 MM) DOUBLE SIDED BUTYL TAPE
TERRACE DOOR
CONNECTION PER MANF.
SILL
COMPRESSION
TAPE
INTERIOR WOOD SILL
L-SECTION
END CAP
CRIPPLE WALL WITH
5 1/2"
DENSEGLASS GOLD
WINDOW SET POINT SHEATHING WINDOW SET POINT
STO FINISH PROFILE
STO GUARD WET-FLASHING SYSTEM
PLYWOOD STRIP
REFERENCE DETAILS:
4"
4"
EPS FOAM STRIP EXT. STEP - STO W 425-1
- STO W 501
FILL VOID WITH EPS FOAM
NOTE:
OPT. 2X4 VERIFY DIMENSIONS
WITH ACTUAL PRODUCT
MIN. 1-3/8"
L-SECTION SILL END CAP
EXTERIOR ALUMINUM SILL
EXTERIOR
TYPICAL WINDOW JAMB TYP. TERRACE DOOR SILL TYPICAL WINDOW JAMB, BASEMENT
3 SCALE: 3" = 1'-0" 4 SCALE: 3" = 1'-0" 6 SCALE: 3" = 1'-0"

47. Mechanicals
• Boiler (existing, replaced)
• In-floor heat (existing, reused and expanded)
• Ventilation system (new)
• Domestic hot water system (new plumbing)

93. ≤1.0 Airtightness
Rough-In Test
0.87 ACH50 [267 CFM50]

120. ≤1.0 Airtightness
Final Test
0.65 ACH50 [196 CFM50]

121. EnerPHit Performance
Specific Space Heat Demand
24.5 kWh/m2 a [7.8 kBTU/ft² a]
Heating Load
≤25
18 W/m2 [5.7 Btu/h/ft²]
3.78 kW [12.9 kBtu]
Airtightness
0.65 ACH50 [196 CFM50] ≤1.0
Specific Primary Energy Demand
111 kWh/m2 a [35.2 kBTU/ft² a] ≤130
QP ≤ 120 kWh/m2a + ((QH - 15 kWh/(m2a)) * 1.2)

122. What are we thinking?
}
• Structure ✓
• Weather Barrier ✓
• Insulation ✓
• Airtightness ✓
• Moisture Management ✓
• Ventilation/ Air Quality ✓
HOLISTIC
• Comfort ✓
DESIGN
• Daylight ✓
• Durability (50-100 years) ✓
• Design ✓
• Lifecycle Cost ✓
• Environmental Impact ✓
• Deconstructability ✓

124. Thank you!
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