Passive House design uses building science to eliminate the common causes of energy loss, discomfort, and poor indoor air quality.
From drafty rooms and uneven temperatures to inadequate ventilation and heat gain through poorly placed windows, Passive House addresses it all—through smart design, superior insulation, airtight construction, and strategic window placement.

At Marisol Studios, we are Certified Passive House Designers committed to creating homes that prioritize your comfort, health, and long-term energy savings. A Passive House home retains heating and cooling more efficiently, reduces utility costs, and delivers year-round comfort—without compromise.

Built to Withstand More, Perform Better
Passive House homes offer exceptional resiliency compared to traditional construction. With airtight envelopes, high-performance insulation, and advanced windows, they maintain stable indoor temperatures—even during power outages or extreme weather events.

When paired with solar panels and a backup battery system, a Passive House can operate off-grid for extended periods, offering true energy independence and peace of mind. This level of performance not only protects your investment, but also prepares your home for the uncertainties of a changing climate.

Passive House design includes a dedicated ventilation system that continuously supplies filtered fresh air, keeping indoor CO₂ levels low and supporting better focus, sleep, and overall well-being.

Unlike traditional homes, which often rely on leaky construction for ventilation, Passive House uses balanced mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (HRV or ERV) to deliver clean air where it’s needed—quietly and efficiently. During wildfire season or poor outdoor air quality days, this system protects your home by filtering out smoke, allergens, and pollutants, so your family can breathe easier—no matter what’s happening outside.

Passive House construction typically has a higher upfront cost than conventional building methods—usually ranging from 5% to 15% more, depending on project scope and location. These additional costs come from superior insulation, airtight construction, high-performance windows, and specialized ventilation systems.

However, the long-term return on investment (ROI) is significant. Passive Houses dramatically reduce energy consumption—often by 60-90%—leading to much lower heating and cooling bills. Over time, these savings can offset the initial investment, making Passive House homes more cost-effective than standard builds.

A key focus of Passive House design is on correct building construction for components that endure over the life of the building. While interior finishes may change over time, the high-performance building envelope—the walls, roof, windows, and airtight shell—continues to perform year after year, ensuring lasting comfort and efficiency.

In Colorado, homeowners can take advantage of multiple incentives at the local and federal level, including rebates from Xcel Energy—the primary gas and electricity provider along the Front Range. These programs help reduce upfront costs for energy-efficient construction and further improve the financial benefits of building a Passive House.

Beyond energy savings, Passive Houses offer improved indoor comfort, enhanced air quality, and increased property value. At Marisol Studios, we guide clients through these incentives and the full lifecycle benefits, helping you make a smart, sustainable investment in your custom home.

Top Resources to Learn About Passive House Design: PHI, PHN, and Passive House Accelerator

At Marisol Studios, we love partnering with clients who are passionate about high-performance design. Whether you’re building a custom Passive House home or remodeling with energy efficiency in mind, we guide you through every phase of the process—from initial design to construction and certification.

If you’re new to Passive House or want to deepen your understanding before getting started, we recommend exploring these trusted resources:

The Passive House Institute (PHI) sets the international standards and offers rigorous training and certification programs.

The Passive House Network (PHN) connects professionals and hosts regional events to share knowledge and best practices.

The Passive House Accelerator provides free design tools, case studies, and practical resources to help you learn how high-performance homes come together.

These organizations provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about your project. When you’re ready, Marisol Studios is here to bring that knowledge to life with a home tailored to your needs, climate, and budget. Reach out today for a personalized consultation and start building smarter!