This presentation explores the mutually supporting synergies between mass timber and Passive House design, highlighting how thoughtful integration can help optimize costs for mass timber construction while delivering significant thermal performance benefits aligned with Passive House goals.
Based on Michael Hindle’s experience as the Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC) on the 11 East Lenox Street project in Boston, this session will share project data, key realizations from the design and construction process, and lessons learned through collaboration with architects, vendors, structural engineers, and general contractors. Michael will discuss unique project features, practical integration strategies, and the real-world challenges teams encounter when combining these approaches.
The session will also explore the evolving conversation around carbon accounting for mass timber, including considerations around embodied carbon, material impacts, and the complexities of evaluating timber products within low-carbon building strategies.
Learning Objectives:
• Understand potential pathways to optimize the integration of mass timber into building projects
• Gain understanding of potential synergies between Passive House and mass timber
• Explore the complexities and validity of carbon accounting for timber products
About the Speaker:
Michael Hindle, MFA, CPHC, is founder and principal of Passive to POSITIVE, a building enclosure and energy efficiency consulting firm specializing in Passive House, zero energy, low carbon, and resilient design. One of the nation’s first Certified Passive House Consultants, Michael has worked across multifamily, mixed-use, retrofit, and regenerative design projects, with a focus on low-toxicity materials, carbon-sequestering construction methods, and community-led development.
This free presentation will take place on Wednesday, February 11th at 9am PT / 12pm ET and will be followed by a lively Q+A session. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders and engage with the PHA community. See you there!