KU News Release

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• School of Architecture, Design and Planning
• Studio 804

LAWRENCE — Studio 804, the internationally acclaimed design-build studio at the University of Kansas, has achieved Passive House Certification for its Prescott Passive House in Kansas City, Kan.

The Prescott Passive House is the first new building in Kansas and one of only a few nationwide to secure Passive House Certification.

The goal of Passive House Certification is to reduce cooling and heating energy demands by 90 percent, reducing out-of-pocket costs to the homeowner and environmental impact and creating superior indoor air quality.

Studio 804’s design integrates the concepts of Passive House into every aspect of the building. The building envelope is composed of a 16-inch-thick insulated walls and a 22-inch-thick insulated roof. The wall cavities were deepened through the use of engineered lumber framing to allow for more insulation. The number of punctures to the exterior was minimized to prevent air leakage; the airtight assembly nearly eliminates all heat transfer through the building envelope. The energy recovery ventilator and thermal masses further maintain a constant interior temperature, reducing most needs for additional tempering support. Thermal mass is achieved through a dark-colored, four-inch concrete slab in the living area that will absorb heat during the day and release it at night. The interior walls for the bedrooms and flex spaces are open at the tops to further facilitate the movement of airflow within the space.

Earlier this year, Prescott Passive House achieved LEED Platinum status, which is based on a points system that rates a building’s green building criteria by examining its carbon dioxide emissions reduction, energy savings, improved environmental quality, sustainable resources and water efficiency. It is the third Studio 804 structure to earn Platinum status. The house is located at 32 S. 16th St. in Kansas City, Kan.

Studio804 is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit program at KU’s School of Architecture, Design and Planning that focuses on the creation of community-based architecture. The Studio 804 experience encompasses all aspects of the building process, from initial design through finished construction. Studio 804 is directed by Dan Rockhill, the JL Constant Distinguished Professor of Architecture.