ABSTRACT
Architectural design is a complex and subtle process. It requires full intellectual engagement and is deeply satisfying when good solutions emerge. Design involves a combination of experience and insight. A passive house design begins with the establishing of performance goals for the building enclosure as a system of interdependent parts. So that the performance of a passive house project can be optimized, and its costs controlled, the spaces within should accommodate the intended uses as efficiently as possible. The design of a passive house represents a paradigm shift in architectural design. For any building, the roof is the first line of defense against water, and protection from water is the first priority in building enclosure design. An energy model is a critical tool for prediction of the performance of passive house designs and ultimate certification of the projects. Designing for good hygrothermal performance is a mixture of experience, intuition, and numerical analysis.
