At Green Brick Builders we don’t just build houses – we create thoughtfully designed, high-performing homes that support well-being, comfort, and long-term value. Our construction and design approach are inspired by the internationally recognized Passive House standard, one of the most rigorous energy-efficiency certifications in the building industry.
While we do not claim Passive House certification on every project, we implement core Passive House principles to ensure each home performs better, lasts longer, and feels healthier to live in.
What Are Passive House Principles?
Originating in Germany in the 1990s, the Passive House (or Passivhaus) standard focuses on drastically reducing a building’s energy use while maximizing indoor comfort and air quality. Homes built to or inspired by these principles consume up to 90% less heating and cooling energy than traditional homes.
Key principles include:
- Continuous Insulation: A super-insulated envelope reduces heat loss and helps maintain even temperatures throughout the home.
- Airtight Construction: A continuous air barrier prevents unwanted drafts and increases energy efficiency.
- High-Performance Windows and Doors: Typically, triple-glazed, these components reduce heat loss and prevent condensation.
- Thermal Bridge-Free Design: Every structural element is thoughtfully detailed to avoid energy leaks.
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (HRV/ERV): Delivers fresh, filtered air year-round while recovering heat from outgoing air.
How We Apply Passive House Principles
We incorporate these principles into our design-build process by:
- Prioritizing high-quality insulation and air sealing in walls, roofs, and foundations.
- Selecting energy-efficient windows and doors that match the climate needs of Texas.
- Designing HVAC systems for optimal efficiency, comfort, and fresh air delivery.
- Eliminating thermal bridges during construction to avoid energy loss.
- Implementing robust water management systems to prevent moisture intrusion and protect building materials.
- Partnering with architects, engineers, and trades who understand and value building science.
Healthy Homes Start with the Building Envelope
A well-designed and properly executed building envelope is key to preventing moisture intrusion and mold growth. Mold thrives in areas where moisture and warmth are present — often a result of poor insulation, air leakage, or inadequate water management. By following Passive House principles, we dramatically reduce the risk of mold in our homes.
- Air and Moisture Control: Airtight construction minimizes uncontrolled air movement, which also limits the transfer of moisture-laden air that could condense within wall assemblies.
- High-Performance Envelopes: Continuous insulation and detailed air barriers prevent thermal bridging and condensation — two leading causes of mold growth.
- Advanced Water Management: From proper flashing and drainage planes to vapor-smart barriers, we design homes that keep water out and let trapped moisture escape.
By prioritizing these building science fundamentals, we create healthier indoor environments with reduced allergy and asthma triggers, longer-lasting finishes, and fewer maintenance concerns.
Smarter HVAC for Superior Comfort and Air Quality
Traditional HVAC systems are often oversized and inefficient in homes with better insulation and airtightness. That’s why we tailor every HVAC design to the unique needs of each home, ensuring optimal comfort, efficiency, and air quality. Here’s how:
- Right-Sized Systems: We calculate heating and cooling loads based on high-performance design, ensuring equipment is neither under- nor oversized — a key step for energy efficiency and balanced humidity control.
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat or Energy Recovery (HRV/ERV): Passive House principles call for continuous fresh air with minimal energy loss. HRV/ERV systems remove stale indoor air while recovering energy to precondition incoming air, dramatically improving indoor air quality without energy waste.
- Zoned Climate Control: We implement smart zoning strategies so that each area of the home is evenly heated and cooled according to usage and time of day.
- Advanced Air Filtration: Filtration systems reduce dust, pollen, and airborne pollutants — essential for healthier breathing and reduced allergic reactions.
- Humidity Management: Properly sealed homes paired with controlled mechanical ventilation allow for consistent humidity levels year-round, discouraging mold, mildew, and musty odors.
When combined with our robust building envelope, these HVAC strategies keep your home cool in the Texas summer, warm in the winter, and fresh all year long — without wasting energy.
Why It Should Matter to You
Homes built with Passive House principles offer:
- Lower Energy Bills: Drastically reduced need for heating and cooling.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Thanks to mechanical ventilation systems with advanced filtration.
- Quiet, Comfortable Interiors: Stable indoor temperatures, less outside noise.
- Durability & Resilience: Better moisture control, longer-lasting materials.
- Mold Prevention: Reduced risk of mold through careful air, vapor, and water management.
- Environmental Impact: A smaller carbon foot
Let’s Build You a Better Home
Whether you’re remodeling, building a new ADU, or designing your dream home, our team brings a deep understanding of construction science and a passion for healthier living spaces.
Contact us to learn how Passive House principles can make a real difference in your next project.
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We Joyfully Design, Build, Renovate, Restore, Rehab, and Reimagine Homes that are thoughtfully designed to foster love, happiness, and quality of life for the people and families who will call the spaces home. We don’t just build or renovate, we listen, understand your life story, and consider your long-term plans for your home.
At Green Brick Builders, we proudly serve clients with diverse sizes of investments. We can do small renovations to full gut. We can build a music studio, a casita, an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), or a brand-new house. Each structure is uniquely customized to your specific needs. Anything below 200 square feet, no permit necessary. Our designer is always on hand to guide you from beginning to the project completion, helping you choose all the materials for your project.
We provide an array of collaborative options, including comprehensive design services for new builds and free (minimal) design services for complete renovations. Ready to start?
DISCOVERY CALL
Have questions about a project, pricing, our design/build/remodeling process, or which service is right for you? Let’s schedule a time to chat! We’d love to connect and explore how we can assist you.
NEW BUILD
Whether you’re looking to build a casita, a music studio, a granny flat, an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), or a small office, each structure is uniquely customized to your specific needs, from 120 square feet for a small office to a larger ADU.
REMODELS
Our designer/project managers ensure that your remodel, new addition, or any project in between runs seamlessly. They oversee material selections and manage the project to ensure that every detail aligns with the design plan.
CABINETRY
Looking for cabinetry? Whether ready to assemble or custom cabinetry, you came to the right place. Discover the perfect blend of quality, craftsmanship, and affordability with our cabinetry collection.
DESIGN WHISPERER
Building a new home? Save yourself time and lets us assist you in making your material selection process effortless and seamless. We can assist you side-by-side in handling the details, so that your finish materials are chosen when you need them. Our goal is to ensure your project runs smoothlv.
GIFT CERTIFICATE
Give the gift of peace of mind. Do you know someone thinking about a remodeling project or a new build? Whether they’re starting a remodel or building a new home, our 2-hour consultation offers expert advice and stress-free guidance to kickstart their project with ease.
MEET OUR FABULOUS TEAM!
MIKE H.
The Number Whisperer
AJ R.
Cabinet Maker
CRISTINA R
Lead Designer and Project Manager
SOPHIE L.
Marketing Maven
MONICA M.
Construction Coordinator and Project Manager
SARTRE F.
Bark-eting Manager
ANNA P.
Office Wizard
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