Passive Home on Clackamas
Project Overview
Designed as a custom zero-energy Passive House, this residence blends sustainability, performance, and modern design along the banks of the Clackamas River. A high-performance thermal enclosure, EV-ready electrical panel, and 8.4kW solar PV system support efficient, low-energy living. The refined contemporary exterior balances passive building principles with modern design.
Quick Facts
Oregon City, Oregon
Custom Home
Phius Certified
EA Zero Energy
DOE ZERH
Indoor Air Plus
WaterSense
Passive Building Solutions
Innotech’s Defender 88PH+ Pro windows frame views of the surrounding forest while bringing abundant natural light into the home. Certified by the Passive House Institute, the system combines strong thermal performance, durability, and air and water resistance to help maintain a comfortable, energy-efficient interior throughout the year.
Tilt and turn windows provide flexible ventilation, allowing fresh air to enter without compromising the home’s airtight design. Their clean, versatile profile complements the architecture while providing an intuitive way to manage airflow and indoor comfort.
A final blower‑door test measured 0.041 cfm per sq. ft. of enclosure area, well below the Phius airtightness requirement and a key contributor to indoor air quality, comfort, efficiency—and fire resilience.”
– green building advisor
The project also demonstrates how wildfire resilience and building performance can work together. Key strategies to mitigate wildfire vulnerabilities included careful detailing to reduce ember intrusion, continuous air and thermal control layers, durable non-combustible materials, and a highly airtight building envelope. The result is a home that offers greater protection from wildfire threats while delivering superior energy efficiency, comfort, indoor air quality, and long-term durability. Learn more about the Birdmouth’s approach to wildfire resilience in this four part article series on Green Building Advisor.
High-Performance Living
Built to meet PHIUS 2021 Zero certification standards, the home incorporates advanced systems including a Minotair Pentacare heat pump and SanCO split heat pump water heater. Durable materials such as dense-packed cellulose and Thermacork insulation contribute to long-term performance and resilience suited to the Pacific Northwest climate.
Leading Certifications
The home holds an exceptional range of sustainability certifications, including PHIUS 2021 Zero, EA Zero Energy, DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, ENERGY STAR®, Indoor airPLUS, and WaterSense®. Together, they reflect a strong commitment to energy efficiency, healthy indoor living, and environmental responsibility.
