This presentation was given by Tim Delhey Eian of TE Studio on Tuesday, September 23rd, at the 2014 NAPHN Passive House Conference in Portland, Maine. It showcases the first cold climate Passive House retrofit (EnerPHit) project which TE Studio designed, and the Passivhaus Institut in Darmstadt (Germany) certified as a pilot EnerPHit project.

2. Photo: Paul Brazelton

3. First EnerPHit in a Cold Climate
Minneapolis, MN
Climate Zone 6, approx. 7,900 HDD
2010 - 2011
Pilot Project

4. Passive House Institute
Dr. Wolfgang Feist
Rheinstraße 44/46
64283 Darmstadt
Germany
www.passivehouse.com
EnerPHit and EnerPHit+i
Certification Criteria for Energy Retrofits with Passive House Components
If an energy retrofit of an existing building meets Passive House criteria (for new builds), it,
too, can be certified as a Certified Passive House.
It is, however, often difficult to feasibly achieve the Passive House Standard in older
buildings for a variety of reasons. Passive House technology for relevant building
components in such buildings does, nevertheless, lead to considerable improvements with
respect to thermal comfort, structural longevity, cost-effectiveness over the building lifecycle
and energy use.
Buildings that have been retrofitted with Passive House components and, to a great extent,
with exterior wall insulation can achieve EnerPHit certification as evidence of both building
quality and fulfilment of specific energy values. The EnerPHit+i designation is applied if
more than 25 % of the opaque exterior wall surface has interior insulation.

6. Minneapolis
+ EnerPHit
= MinnePHit

7. EnerPHit
≠
Weatherization

10. Background
1935

15. • 2 stories + basement!
• 1,200 finished SF!
• 2 bedrooms!
• 1 bath!
• 5 people

17. Prior Airport Noise Retrofit

18. Single Pane Windows & Storms

20. Attic A/C

21. Airtightness?
Initial Test!
8.5 ACH50 [2,100 CFM50]

22. Pre-Existing Conditions

27. So, Where Are We?
• Structure ✓!
• Weather Barrier?!
• Insulation ✗!
• Airtightness ✗!
• Moisture Management ✓!
• Ventilation/ Air Quality ✗!
• Comfort ✗ ✗!
• Daylight ✗!
• Durability (30 years?)!
• Design (Sign of the Times)

28. Where do we go?

29. Laundry List
• + 3 Bedrooms!
• + 2 Baths!
• + Mudroom!
• Better kitchen!
• Better living areas!
• Homeschool room!
• Safe stairs!
•Weather-tight envelope!
• Durable structure!
• Healthy interiors!
• Comfort & daylight!
• Low operating cost!
• Energy performance

30. Concept Rendering

31. How do we get there?

32. Sports car?

33. Holistic Approach
• Set goals for performance and design!
• Overlay architectural program!
• Make the home safe for people (code compliance)!
• Control temperature, air, and moisture!
• Add ventilation!
• Make the envelope air- and weather-tight!
• Add continuous insulation to meet the energy goals!
• Assess moisture transfer through shell!
• Implement robust climate zone-appropriate assemblies

34. Energy Targets
Reduce loads and air-leakage to meet Passive House
retrofit standard (EnerPHit)!
• Heating load reduction: 80% +!
• Overall energy use reduction: 2/3!
• Airtightness increase: 10 X

35. Existing Basement Floor Plan
DEMO STAIR
REPLACE GLASS BLOCK
W/ EGRESS WNDWS
BATH
- DEMO & SALVAGE FIXTURES
DEMO GLASS BLOCK
& FILL TO MATCH
FND. WALL
PERIMETER OF STRUCTURE ABOVE
CHIMNEY ABOVE
UP
DEMO AND REPLACE
LOAD BEARING WALL
& FOUNDATION
TEMP. BRACE FLOOR
2x10s
@ 16" O.C.
2x10s
@ 16" O.C.
UNEXCAVATED
DEMO FLOOR SLAB
& EXCAVATE FOR NEW
ASSEMBLY
LAUNDRY ROOM WORKOUT ROOM

36. Existing Basement Floor Plan
DEMO STAIR
REPLACE GLASS BLOCK
W/ EGRESS WNDWS
BATH
- DEMO & SALVAGE FIXTURES
DEMO GLASS BLOCK
& FILL TO MATCH
FND. WALL
PERIMETER OF STRUCTURE ABOVE
CHIMNEY ABOVE
UP
DEMO AND REPLACE
LOAD BEARING WALL
& FOUNDATION
TEMP. BRACE FLOOR
2x10s
@ 16" O.C.
2x10s
@ 16" O.C.
UNEXCAVATED
DEMO FLOOR SLAB
& EXCAVATE FOR NEW
ASSEMBLY
LAUNDRY ROOM WORKOUT ROOM
1. Retrofit
2. Reconstruction
3. Addition

37. New Basement Floor Plan
1. Homeschool Room
2. Mechanical
3. Unexcavated
3
UP
1 2 3
1. Retrofit
2. Reconstruction
3. Addition

38. New Basement Floor Plan
1. Homeschool Room
2. Mechanical
3. Unexcavated
3
UP
1 2 3

39. Existing First Floor Plan
SOFFIT
BRICK CHIMNEY,
SEAL AIRTIGHT
KID'S ROOM
DEMO EXIST. SOFFIT
REMOVE AND SALVAGE
DOORS AS INDICATED
REMOVE AND SALVAGE
WNDWS, TYP.
DEMO LANDING
DEMO STAIRS,
UP AND DOWN
UP
DN
DN
DN
DN
2x10s
V.I.F.
2x10s
V.I.F.
2x
V.I.F.
LIVING ROOM
KITCHEN
- DEMO ALL BUILT-INS
- DEMO & SALVAGE EQUIPMENT
DINING ROOM
ENTRY VEST.
DEMO FLOOR SYSTEM
ABOVE SLAB
DEMO FLOOR SYSTEM
ABOVE SLAB

40. Existing First Floor Plan
1. Retrofit
2. Reconstruction
3. Addition
SOFFIT
BRICK CHIMNEY,
SEAL AIRTIGHT
KID'S ROOM
DEMO EXIST. SOFFIT
REMOVE AND SALVAGE
DOORS AS INDICATED
REMOVE AND SALVAGE
WNDWS, TYP.
DEMO LANDING
DEMO STAIRS,
UP AND DOWN
UP
DN
DN
DN
DN
2x10s
V.I.F.
2x10s
V.I.F.
2x
V.I.F.
LIVING ROOM
KITCHEN
- DEMO ALL BUILT-INS
- DEMO & SALVAGE EQUIPMENT
DINING ROOM
ENTRY VEST.
DEMO FLOOR SYSTEM
ABOVE SLAB
DEMO FLOOR SYSTEM
ABOVE SLAB

41. New First Floor Plan
1. Retrofit
2. Reconstruction
3. Addition
D W
REF
1. Entry
2. Powder room
3. Mud room/ laundry
4. Living room
5. Kitchen
6. Dining area
7. Family area
8. Covered entry
9. Rear entry
10.Patio
1 2 3
4 5
7
8 9
10
6

42. New First Floor Plan
D W
REF
1. Entry
2. Powder room
3. Mud room/ laundry
4. Living room
5. Kitchen
6. Dining area
7. Family area
8. Covered entry
9. Rear entry
10.Patio
1 2 3
4 5
7
8 9
10
6

43. Existing Second Floor Plan
DEMO ROOF SYSTEM
ABOVE ENTRY
BATH
- DEMO & SALVAGE FIXTURES
BRICK CHIMNEY
OFFICE
DEMO STAIR &
LANDINGS
DEMO
BALCONY
REMOVE AND SALVAGE
WNDWS, TYP.
DN
REMOVE AND SALVAGE
DOORS AS INDICATED
DN
DN
DN
MASTER BEDROOM BEDROOM

44. Existing Second Floor Plan
1. Retrofit
2. Reconstruction
3. Addition
DEMO ROOF SYSTEM
ABOVE ENTRY
BATH
- DEMO & SALVAGE FIXTURES
BRICK CHIMNEY
OFFICE
DEMO STAIR &
LANDINGS
DEMO
BALCONY
REMOVE AND SALVAGE
WNDWS, TYP.
DN
REMOVE AND SALVAGE
DOORS AS INDICATED
DN
DN
DN
MASTER BEDROOM BEDROOM

45. New Second Floor Plan
1. Retrofit
2. Reconstruction
3. Addition
1. Bedroom 1
2. Bedroom 2
3. Master Bedroom
4. Master Closet.
5. Master Bath
6. Bedroom 3
7. Kid’s Bath
8. Toilet Room
1
7
8
2
6 3
5
4

46. New Second Floor Plan
1. Bedroom 1
2. Bedroom 2
3. Master Bedroom
4. Master Closet.
5. Master Bath
6. Bedroom 3
7. Kid’s Bath
8. Toilet Room
1
7
8
2
6 3
5
4

47. High-Performance Concept
DEEP ENERGY REDUCTION RETROFIT (AFTER) TYPICAL EXISTING BUILDING (BEFORE)
PASSIVE SOLAR
HEAT GAINS
(WINTER)
SOLAR
SHADING
(SUMMER)
HEAT-RECOVERY
VENTILATION &
SMALL HEATER
EXHAUST
AIR-INTAKE
LARGE "ACTIVE"
MECHANICAL SYSTEM
- FURNACE OR BOILER
EXISTING CONDITION
- INSUFFICIENT INSULATION
- LOW-PERFORMANCE
WINDOWS AND DOORS
- AIR LEAKAGE
- NO VENTILATION
EXTRACT AIR
SUPPLY AIR
INTERNAL
HEAT GAINS
- PEOPLE
- EQUIPMT.
RETROFIT CONDITION
- WATER PROOFING
AND MANAGEMENT
- ADDED INSULATION
- MITIGATION OF
THERMAL BRIDGES
EXISTING CONDITION
- NO WATER PROOFING
AND MANAGEMENT
- NO INSULATION AT AND
BELOW GRADE
- THERMAL BRIDGES
OPTIONAL SOLAR THERMAL
OR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC
RETROFIT CONDITION
- ADVANCED WINDOWS
AND DOORS
- AIR-TIGHTNESS LAYER
- CONTINUOUS INSULATION
PACKAGE

48. Pragmatic
Concept

49. Assemblies EXIST. WALL
RETROFIT WALL
20"
10 3/4"
MAINTAIN CONT. AIR BARRIER W/ SIGA
BRAND TAPE AT SHEATHING TO TOP PLATE
5 1/2"
9 1/4" 7"
± 9 1/4"
1 1/2"
24"
+1'-8"
T.O. ADDITION R.O.s
+0'-0 1/2"
0'-0"
-0'-3"
EXIST. ROOF FRAMING
TO BE DEMO'D
SNOW GUARDS PER MANUF.
TYPICAL ABOVE GRADE RETROFIT (R-44)
ASSUMED EXISTING WALL ASSEMBLY
INTERIOR
• PLASTER
• WALLBOARD
• 2X4 FRAMING,
DENSE-PACK WITH CELLULOSE INSULATION (ADDED)
3.5 LBS/ CU FT
• EXTERIOR SHEATHING
RETROFIT WALL ASSEMBLY
• 5/8" OSB SHEATHING: SEAL JOINTS AIRTIGHT
VAPOR BARRIER, AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER
• 9-1/2" I-JOIST FURR FRAMING @ EXIST. STUDS WITH
DENSE-PACK CELLULOSE INSULATION, 3.5 LBS/ CU FT
• 1/2" FIBERBOARD SHEATHING (BILDRITE OR SIM.)
• WINDWASH BARRIER
WEATHER RESISTANT BARRIER
• 3/4" VENT SPACE (1X FRAMING)
• CEMENT BOARD LAP SIDING
EXTERIOR
INSECT SCREEN
VENT CHUTES
GUTTER
MAINTAIN CONT. AIR BARRIER W/ SIGA
BRAND TAPE AT SHEATHING TO TOP PLATE
CONT. VENTING
BACKFILL
TYPICAL BELOW GRADE RETROFIT (R-40)
INTERIOR
• 5/8" WALL BOARD
• 3-1/2" STEEL FRAMING @ 24" O.C. WITH
MIN. 2" CLOSED CELL SPRAY FOAM INSULATION
VAPOR BARRIER & AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER
• EXIST. CONCRETE WALL
• (2) 3" EXTERIOR GRADE EPS INSULATION (EIFS)
• STO FLEXYL (EIFS)
WEATHER RESISTANT BARRIER & FINISH
(TIE TO FACE OF FOOTING)
EXTERIOR
RETROFIT FRAMING
TYPICAL SLAB RETROFIT (R-25)
NOTE: REMOVE EXISTING SLAB & EXCAVATE TO
ACCOMODATE RETROFIT ASSEMBLY
INTERIOR
• 4" CONCRETE SLAB WITH
RADIANT IN-FLOOR HEATING SYSTEM
• 6-MIL POLY
VAPOR BARRIER & AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER
EXIST. WALL
SEAL AIRTIGHT AT ALL JOINTS AND PROTRUSIONS
• 6" BELOW GRADE EPS INSULATION BOARD,
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH PER SE
• MIN. 2" GRAVEL
EXTERIOR
TYPICAL VENTED COLD ROOF ASSEMBLY (R-77)
NOTE: REMOVE EXISTING ROOF STRUCTURE,
BUILD PERIMETER KNEE WALL AND SET NEW
TRUSSED HIP ROOF PER STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS
EXTERIOR
• STANDING SEAM METAL ROOFING @ 16" O.C.
• GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD HT
ROOFING UNDERLAYMENT,
WEATHER RESISTANT BARRIER
• 3/4" PLYWOOD STRUCTURAL SHEATHING
• ATTIC AIRSPACE, OR VENT CHUTES
• STRUC. TRUSSES @ 24" O.C. WITH MIN.
20" CELLULOSE INSULATION
• 5/8" OSB SHEATHING, SEAL JOINTS AIRTIGHT
VAPOR BARRIER, AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER
• 6" INSTALLATION CAVITY WITH SUSPENSION
SYSTEM
• 5/8" WALLBOARD CEILING
INTERIOR
WEATHER RESISTANT BARRIER (WRB)
AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER & VAPOR RETARDER (AB & VR)
TRUSS BEARING
2
10
T.O. KNEEWALL
T.O. EXISTING WALL
T.O. EXISTING R.O.
CLEAR
@ OUTSIDE OF STUDWALL
7-1/2" TRIM
• Walls a/ grade: R-10 to R-44!
• Walls b/ grade: R-1 to R-30+!
• Roof: R-20 to R-77!
• Slab: R-1 to R-25
TYPICAL ABOVE GRADE WALL RETROFIT (R-44)
INTERIOR
• EXISTING WALLBOARD & FINISH
• EXISTING FRAMING WITH
3-1/2" DENSE PACK INSULATION, 3.5 LBS/ CU FT
• EXISTING SHEATHING
• 5/8" OSB SHEATHING: SEAL JOINTS AIRTIGHT
VAPOR BARRIER, AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER
• 9-1/2" I-JOIST FURR FRAMING @ 24 O.C. WITH
DENSE-PACK CELLULOSE INSULATION, 3.5 LBS/ CU FT
• 1/2" BUILDRITE SHEATHING
• WINDWASH BARRIER
WEATHER RESISTANT BARRIER
• 3/4" VENT SPACE (1X FRAMING)
• CEMENT BOARD LAP SIDING
EXTERIOR
CONTINUOUS 5/8" SHEATHING
CONNECTS EXISTING AND NEW CONSTRUCTION
VAPOR BARRIER & AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER

50. L-SECTION
END CAP 3-1/2" TRIM
2 SCALE: 3" = 1'-0" TYPICAL WINDOW HEAD & SILL
1 SCALE: 3" = 1'-0" TYPICAL EXTERIOR WINDOW ELEVATION
4"
4" 5 1/2"
ROUGH OPENING
INTERIOR WOOD SILL
WINDOW SET POINT
PLYWOOD STRIP
EPS FOAM STRIP
FILL VOID WITH EPS FOAM
OPT. 2X4
L-SECTION SILL END CAP
EXTERIOR ALUMINUM SILL
4" 5 1/2"
8 7/8" (225 MM)
ROUGH OPENING ROUGH OPENING
DRIP EDGE
OPT. 2X4
EPS WEDGE
EPS INFILL
AIRTIGHT
CONNECTION
AIRTIGHT
CONNECTION
COMPRESSION
TAPE
5-1/2" TRIM
7-1/4" TRIM
DC260
7" (180 MM)
ROUGH OPENING
AIRTIGHT
CONNECTION TERRACE DOOR
SILL
COMPRESSION
TAPE
L-SECTION
END CAP
CRIPPLE WALL WITH
DENSEGLASS GOLD
SHEATHING
INT. JAMB
EXTENSION
EXT. JAMB
EXT. STEP
5 SCALE: 3" = 1'-0" TYPICAL WINDOW HEAD & SILL, BASEMENT
MIN. 1-3/8"
1 3/4"
EXIST. ROUGH OPENING
RETROFIT ROUGH OPENING
INTERIOR
1" POLYISOCYANURATE FOAM BOARD
3/4" PLYWOOD BUCK
AIR TIGHT CONNECTION
DOUBLE SIDED BUTYL TAPE
PER MANF.
WINDOW SET POINT
STO FINISH PROFILE
STO GUARD WET-FLASHING SYSTEM
REFERENCE DETAILS:
- STO W 425-1
- STO W 501
NOTE:
VERIFY DIMENSIONS
WITH ACTUAL PRODUCT
EXTERIOR
STO DRIP EDGE
8 7/8" (225 MM)
1 3/4" 3/4"
STO FINISH PROFILE
EXIST. R.O.
WINDOW R.O.
BLOCK R.O.
WINDOW R.O.
REFERENCE DETAILS:
- STO W 710
- STO W 425-2
U-SECTION
END CAP
3 SCALE: 3" = 1'-0" TYPICAL WINDOW JAMB
4 SCALE: 3" = 1'-0" TYP. TERRACE DOOR SILL
6 SCALE: 3" = 1'-0" TYPICAL WINDOW JAMB, BASEMENT
WEATHER RESISTANT BARRIER (WRB)
AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER & VAPOR RETARDER (AB & VR)
Details

51. Mechanicals
• Boiler (existing, replaced)!
• In-floor heat (existing, reused and expanded)!
• Ventilation system (new)!
• Domestic hot water system (new plumbing)

53. Construction

98. Airtightness
Rough-In Test!
0.87 ACH50 [267 CFM50] ≤1.0

133. Photo: Paul Brazelton

134. Airtightness
Final Test!
0.65 ACH50 [195 CFM50] ≤1.0

135. ≤25
EnerPHit Performance
Specific Space Heat Demand!
24.5 kWh/m2 a [7.8 kBTU/ft² a]
Heating Load!
18 W/m2 [5.7 Btu/h/ft²]!
3.78 kW [12.9 kBtu]
Airtightness!
0.65 ACH50 [196 CFM50] ≤1.0
Specific Primary Energy Demand!
111 kWh/m2 a [35.2 kBTU/ft² a]
≤130
QP ≤ 120 kWh/m2a + ((QH - 15 kWh/(m2a)) * 1.2)

138. What are we thinking?
HOLISTIC
}DESIGN
• Structure ✓!
• Weather Barrier ✓!
• Insulation ✓!
• Airtightness ✓!
• Moisture Management ✓!
• Ventilation/ Air Quality ✓!
• Comfort ✓!
• Daylight ✓!
• Durability (50-100 years) ✓!
• Design ✓!
• Lifecycle Cost ✓!
• Environmental Impact ✓!
• Deconstructability ✓

139. What we learned
• Zoning!
• Building science = proper design response!
• 6 wall sections on a 2,000sf home - really?!
• Airtightness!
• Pilot project challenges!
• Builder feedback!
• Building relationships & team effort!
• Pilot project certification!
• The decimal point conundrum!
• Mind the gap: 27 ≠ 25 kWh/ (m2 a)!

141. Thank you!
testudio.com/minnephit