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Passive House

Cost-Effective Passive Houses

Nova Scotia–based engineer and builder Natalie Leonard designs plans for affordable super-insulated homes based on solid building science research.
Energy-Efficient Houses

Explore these examples of high-performance homes to get inspiration for your own energy-saving home projects.
Video: Introducing the 2019 HOUSES Awards Winners

Here's a look at the winners in all six categories of Fine Homebuilding's annual design awards: Best New Home, Best Remodel, Best Small Home, Best Energy-Smart Home, Best Traditional Home, and Editor's Choice.
Best Energy Smart Home 2019: DIY Passive House

This is the story of a house, a rain tank, an incredible view, and two homeowners who didn’t quite realize what they were getting themselves into.
Air Barriers Are Essential for a Modern, High-Performance Home

Controlling air movement through the walls and ceilings is a key step toward comfort, energy efficiency, and building durability.
FHB House Video: Finding High Performance in Good Design

This hand-crafted, modern house balances a contemporary design connected to the land with enviable energy efficiency.
FHB House Video: Insulation, Air-sealing, and Mechanical Details

An overview of the materials and systems that will lead to big energy savings and comfort.
An Outdoor Fireplace Makes a Four-Season Porch

Indoor fireplaces don't work well in superinsulated houses, so these California homeowners decided to meet their nostalgic need for a wood burner by putting it on the covered patio.
Podcast Episode 149: Farmhouse Insulation, Home Inspections, and Ductwork Details

The Fine Homebuilding staff gives their best advice for improving leaky board-and-batten walls, buying old houses, keeping HVAC systems within conditioned space, and safely venting gas appliances.
Third-Party Blower-Door Test Pays Off

Verifying high-performance house metrics under California's Title 24 earns some rebates from the utility company.