kevin @ think | design | consult
@thinkph.bsky.social
Passiv Haus - Passive House
Urban and small town life
Building science
Politics as it serves better communities.
Building for the real world.
Urban and small town life
Building science
Politics as it serves better communities.
Building for the real world.
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
Kids don't always want to be on screens, they just need spaces and places to live, grow and play independently.
November 26, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Kids don't always want to be on screens, they just need spaces and places to live, grow and play independently.
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
Smart cities are transforming transportation, reducing emissions and public costs while adding more choice and improving quality of life. COMMON SENSE!
Smart infrastructure for public transit, walking & biking is a GREAT INVESTMENT. Fund it accordingly. #ActionStartsHere @mayors4climate.bsky.social
Smart infrastructure for public transit, walking & biking is a GREAT INVESTMENT. Fund it accordingly. #ActionStartsHere @mayors4climate.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Smart cities are transforming transportation, reducing emissions and public costs while adding more choice and improving quality of life. COMMON SENSE!
Smart infrastructure for public transit, walking & biking is a GREAT INVESTMENT. Fund it accordingly. #ActionStartsHere @mayors4climate.bsky.social
Smart infrastructure for public transit, walking & biking is a GREAT INVESTMENT. Fund it accordingly. #ActionStartsHere @mayors4climate.bsky.social
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
It used to be that if you were trying to reduce carbon emissions, you insulated and sealed, what's called "fabric first." Now that we have heat pumps, many are questioning whether fabric-first was the right approach. It's complicated... lloydalter.substack.com/p/what-the-h...
What the hell happened to "Fabric First?"
A very good question. Has heatpumpification crushed insulation?
lloydalter.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:22 PM
It used to be that if you were trying to reduce carbon emissions, you insulated and sealed, what's called "fabric first." Now that we have heat pumps, many are questioning whether fabric-first was the right approach. It's complicated... lloydalter.substack.com/p/what-the-h...
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are now available for the 2026 Passive House Canada Conference!
Learn more here and be part of Canada's premier Passive House event: https://conference.passivehousecanada.com/sponsorship-opportunities/
Learn more here and be part of Canada's premier Passive House event: https://conference.passivehousecanada.com/sponsorship-opportunities/
November 24, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are now available for the 2026 Passive House Canada Conference!
Learn more here and be part of Canada's premier Passive House event: https://conference.passivehousecanada.com/sponsorship-opportunities/
Learn more here and be part of Canada's premier Passive House event: https://conference.passivehousecanada.com/sponsorship-opportunities/
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
Drying clothes indoors in winter? How SHOCKING!!!
Do you know what causes mould indoors? Piss poor buildings with inadequate insulation and ventilation. If that can't be improved easily, use dehumidifiers or tumble driers. But even people produce about 2.5 litres of moisture per day, so...🤷
Do you know what causes mould indoors? Piss poor buildings with inadequate insulation and ventilation. If that can't be improved easily, use dehumidifiers or tumble driers. But even people produce about 2.5 litres of moisture per day, so...🤷
Recent research showed that a huge proportion (87%) of Brits rely on hanging wet clothes inside their homes – and they’re unknowingly causing serious issues.
A study by the University of Manchester found that drying a wet load of washing indoors can release two litres of water into your home.
A study by the University of Manchester found that drying a wet load of washing indoors can release two litres of water into your home.
The mould truth: Expert warns Brits of one common habit that brings damp into their homes
As winter returns, and households dry laundry indoors, new research suggests this is contributing to dangerous mould problems in the home
kentandsurreybylines.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Drying clothes indoors in winter? How SHOCKING!!!
Do you know what causes mould indoors? Piss poor buildings with inadequate insulation and ventilation. If that can't be improved easily, use dehumidifiers or tumble driers. But even people produce about 2.5 litres of moisture per day, so...🤷
Do you know what causes mould indoors? Piss poor buildings with inadequate insulation and ventilation. If that can't be improved easily, use dehumidifiers or tumble driers. But even people produce about 2.5 litres of moisture per day, so...🤷
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
From Firehouse to Passive House: Engine 16, New York City
Our speakers will walk you through the project’s transformation, how #PassiveHouse principles guided the design, and the key challenges and considerations along the way.
Register: https://tickets.passivehouse.com/PHI/firehouse-nyc/
Our speakers will walk you through the project’s transformation, how #PassiveHouse principles guided the design, and the key challenges and considerations along the way.
Register: https://tickets.passivehouse.com/PHI/firehouse-nyc/
November 25, 2025 at 4:02 PM
From Firehouse to Passive House: Engine 16, New York City
Our speakers will walk you through the project’s transformation, how #PassiveHouse principles guided the design, and the key challenges and considerations along the way.
Register: https://tickets.passivehouse.com/PHI/firehouse-nyc/
Our speakers will walk you through the project’s transformation, how #PassiveHouse principles guided the design, and the key challenges and considerations along the way.
Register: https://tickets.passivehouse.com/PHI/firehouse-nyc/
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
Check out TEDx Altadena
www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
#EatonCanyonFire #AltadenaStrong #LAStrong #FireResilience #PassiveHouse #LowerCostOfOwnership #BuildBackAltadenaBetter
#ResilientHaus
www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
#EatonCanyonFire #AltadenaStrong #LAStrong #FireResilience #PassiveHouse #LowerCostOfOwnership #BuildBackAltadenaBetter
#ResilientHaus
TEDxAltadena - YouTube
www.youtube.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:42 AM
This.
Let’s fully understand the impact of double access corridors, brought in decades ago to solve problems that no longer exist, with impacts that are way beyond their original public safety goals.
Let’s fully understand the impact of double access corridors, brought in decades ago to solve problems that no longer exist, with impacts that are way beyond their original public safety goals.
this is why i think the power of point access blocks is even greater at scale...
not only do you house nearly same number of people - you do it in like 60% of the footprint
meaning construction costs go way down.
more privacy. more space for trees. more daylight. homes that cross ventilate.
not only do you house nearly same number of people - you do it in like 60% of the footprint
meaning construction costs go way down.
more privacy. more space for trees. more daylight. homes that cross ventilate.
here's version w/ (4) 6 story 'el'-shaped PABs
300 homes
half of them are 2-4 bedrooms (status quo development in seattle right now has that number at <6%)
max FAR: 2.8 (less than half what would normally see on a 6 story site)
lot coverage: 47%
look at how massive those courtyards are: 🌳🌳🌳🌳
300 homes
half of them are 2-4 bedrooms (status quo development in seattle right now has that number at <6%)
max FAR: 2.8 (less than half what would normally see on a 6 story site)
lot coverage: 47%
look at how massive those courtyards are: 🌳🌳🌳🌳
November 26, 2025 at 2:43 AM
This.
Let’s fully understand the impact of double access corridors, brought in decades ago to solve problems that no longer exist, with impacts that are way beyond their original public safety goals.
Let’s fully understand the impact of double access corridors, brought in decades ago to solve problems that no longer exist, with impacts that are way beyond their original public safety goals.
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
If this is still planned to connect at Fallowfield, maybe we could get some federal funding to prioritize Stage 3 to Barrhaven.
Canada actually speeding up the construction of high speed rail?? Do my eyes deceive me??
“This will enable construction on Alto to begin in four years — as early as 2029 — instead of the original timeline of in eight years, towards the middle of the 2030s.”
www.blogto.com/travel/2025/...
“This will enable construction on Alto to begin in four years — as early as 2029 — instead of the original timeline of in eight years, towards the middle of the 2030s.”
www.blogto.com/travel/2025/...
300km/h train through Ontario will happen years earlier than expected
Construction on one of the most ambitious and expensive transportation infrastructure projects to ever be undertaken in Canadian history is now targe…
www.blogto.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:09 AM
If this is still planned to connect at Fallowfield, maybe we could get some federal funding to prioritize Stage 3 to Barrhaven.
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
oh what's that - the people have a desire for max 5 story buildings?
point access blocks at 5 stories + inhabited attic will get you to 150 DUs per acre (>75K per sq. mile)
and i mean family sized ones. not the dinky micro homes that are all developers can build today
bsky.app/profile/holz...
point access blocks at 5 stories + inhabited attic will get you to 150 DUs per acre (>75K per sq. mile)
and i mean family sized ones. not the dinky micro homes that are all developers can build today
bsky.app/profile/holz...
i've also cheated here. i've got a park running mid block that takes up 12% of parcel.
we don't do this when we redevelop - but we probably should! especially on long, narrow blocks like this.
if you mirrored 2 "els" on right to left side of park, you'd get ~330 homes w/ 6-story PABs. + open space
we don't do this when we redevelop - but we probably should! especially on long, narrow blocks like this.
if you mirrored 2 "els" on right to left side of park, you'd get ~330 homes w/ 6-story PABs. + open space
November 26, 2025 at 2:02 AM
oh what's that - the people have a desire for max 5 story buildings?
point access blocks at 5 stories + inhabited attic will get you to 150 DUs per acre (>75K per sq. mile)
and i mean family sized ones. not the dinky micro homes that are all developers can build today
bsky.app/profile/holz...
point access blocks at 5 stories + inhabited attic will get you to 150 DUs per acre (>75K per sq. mile)
and i mean family sized ones. not the dinky micro homes that are all developers can build today
bsky.app/profile/holz...
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
it's true - US codes result in really ugly, massive development.
single stair helps solve this.
single stair helps solve this.
NEW PAPER w/ @cselmendorf.bsky.social & @jkalla.bsky.social:
An under-appreciated reason why voters oppose dense new housing, especially in less-dense neighborhoods: they think it looks ugly and want to prevent that, even in other neighborhoods.
Some of what we think is NIMBYism might not be!
An under-appreciated reason why voters oppose dense new housing, especially in less-dense neighborhoods: they think it looks ugly and want to prevent that, even in other neighborhoods.
Some of what we think is NIMBYism might not be!
November 25, 2025 at 10:38 PM
it's true - US codes result in really ugly, massive development.
single stair helps solve this.
single stair helps solve this.
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
I generally hate artsy bike racks, but this one gets a pass from me. Beautiful, contextually appropriate, and from all appearances, properly functional.
*My only tweak is to not have exposed anchor bolts.
*My only tweak is to not have exposed anchor bolts.
Bike Parking Review: MN Orchestra
The treble clef bike racks are an A+ in my book. They fit perfectly with the location, there are a handful of them, and there are plenty of places on each rack to lock, making them usable with any bike.
🎼🚲
@tcbikeparking.bsky.social
The treble clef bike racks are an A+ in my book. They fit perfectly with the location, there are a handful of them, and there are plenty of places on each rack to lock, making them usable with any bike.
🎼🚲
@tcbikeparking.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 2:20 AM
I generally hate artsy bike racks, but this one gets a pass from me. Beautiful, contextually appropriate, and from all appearances, properly functional.
*My only tweak is to not have exposed anchor bolts.
*My only tweak is to not have exposed anchor bolts.
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
And put it all together to create incremental courtyard urbanism.
50% lot coverage. 2 to 3FSR.
35' max floor plates where there's no side yard.
12' front yard
20% side yard beyond 50' of lot depth
(or)
3 storey lane house with 4' side yard.
50% lot coverage. 2 to 3FSR.
35' max floor plates where there's no side yard.
12' front yard
20% side yard beyond 50' of lot depth
(or)
3 storey lane house with 4' side yard.
November 26, 2025 at 12:47 AM
And put it all together to create incremental courtyard urbanism.
50% lot coverage. 2 to 3FSR.
35' max floor plates where there's no side yard.
12' front yard
20% side yard beyond 50' of lot depth
(or)
3 storey lane house with 4' side yard.
50% lot coverage. 2 to 3FSR.
35' max floor plates where there's no side yard.
12' front yard
20% side yard beyond 50' of lot depth
(or)
3 storey lane house with 4' side yard.
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
For distributed infill, 4 storey is an easier 'Sell' politically, but economically it's harder to justify the elevator at 4 storeys when you can do 3 or 3.5 with no elevator... again the expensive elevators are a big part of the challenge.
November 24, 2025 at 11:30 PM
For distributed infill, 4 storey is an easier 'Sell' politically, but economically it's harder to justify the elevator at 4 storeys when you can do 3 or 3.5 with no elevator... again the expensive elevators are a big part of the challenge.
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
These massing approaches are tailored to vancouver’s long (122’) lots…
and are designed to be built among adjacent single family homes, lane houses and multiplexes while the n’hood evolves.
These bldgs maintain daylight and lower massing at the rear and shallow (35’) floor plates at the front.
and are designed to be built among adjacent single family homes, lane houses and multiplexes while the n’hood evolves.
These bldgs maintain daylight and lower massing at the rear and shallow (35’) floor plates at the front.
evolves.by
November 24, 2025 at 10:04 PM
These massing approaches are tailored to vancouver’s long (122’) lots…
and are designed to be built among adjacent single family homes, lane houses and multiplexes while the n’hood evolves.
These bldgs maintain daylight and lower massing at the rear and shallow (35’) floor plates at the front.
and are designed to be built among adjacent single family homes, lane houses and multiplexes while the n’hood evolves.
These bldgs maintain daylight and lower massing at the rear and shallow (35’) floor plates at the front.
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
The goal is 'fine grained' walkable and broadly accessible urbanism.
bsky.app/profile/lane...
bsky.app/profile/lane...
1. Single stair building code
2. No min parking requirements
3. No min frontage requirements
4. Urban levels of density
5. Adjacent / distributed green space
= fine grained urbanism*
* the real kind, not the faux version via design guidelines w forced articulation and material changes
2. No min parking requirements
3. No min frontage requirements
4. Urban levels of density
5. Adjacent / distributed green space
= fine grained urbanism*
* the real kind, not the faux version via design guidelines w forced articulation and material changes
November 24, 2025 at 9:40 PM
The goal is 'fine grained' walkable and broadly accessible urbanism.
bsky.app/profile/lane...
bsky.app/profile/lane...
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
So - it's becoming clear that the endgame for our zoning advocacy should be a "kit of parts" for both buildings + zoning rules. A toolbox that works on all lot sizes (including small lots).
It will be 2 pieces:
1. Town centres (attached here, w no side yard)
2. Distributed (w side yards)
It will be 2 pieces:
1. Town centres (attached here, w no side yard)
2. Distributed (w side yards)
November 24, 2025 at 9:40 PM
So - it's becoming clear that the endgame for our zoning advocacy should be a "kit of parts" for both buildings + zoning rules. A toolbox that works on all lot sizes (including small lots).
It will be 2 pieces:
1. Town centres (attached here, w no side yard)
2. Distributed (w side yards)
It will be 2 pieces:
1. Town centres (attached here, w no side yard)
2. Distributed (w side yards)
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
The desire for better passenger rail in North America is so obvious. It's maddening that lawmakers find a way to stymie it every time.
November 23, 2025 at 9:25 PM
The desire for better passenger rail in North America is so obvious. It's maddening that lawmakers find a way to stymie it every time.
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
If train service is halfway decent these days, there's immediate pick-up from the public. So many people are sick of clotted, miserable freeways and dysfunctional airplane travel.
www.trains.com/pro/passenge...
www.trains.com/pro/passenge...
Amtrak’s Borealis reaches 250,000-rider mark - Trains
CHICAGO — Amtrak’s Borealis reached the 250,000-passenger milestone during the July 4th holiday weekend, the passenger operator has announced. The train, funded by the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, ...
www.trains.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:29 PM
If train service is halfway decent these days, there's immediate pick-up from the public. So many people are sick of clotted, miserable freeways and dysfunctional airplane travel.
www.trains.com/pro/passenge...
www.trains.com/pro/passenge...
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
20 before and afters of streets in Paris in one minute.
November 24, 2025 at 3:13 PM
20 before and afters of streets in Paris in one minute.
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
🔦Take a look at the Templehall Community Hub!
Another Fife Council project targeting Passivhaus, with a project team led by AHR. Greengauge is proud to be Passivhaus Certifier on the project.
www.linkedin.com/pos...
@passivpaul.bsky.social @passivhaustrust.bsky.social @ipha.bsky.social
Another Fife Council project targeting Passivhaus, with a project team led by AHR. Greengauge is proud to be Passivhaus Certifier on the project.
www.linkedin.com/pos...
@passivpaul.bsky.social @passivhaustrust.bsky.social @ipha.bsky.social
#architecture #buildingconsultancy #communitybuilding #passivhausdesign #sustainablebuildings #progressupdate | AHR
A sneak peek of the latest progress being made on site in Kirkcaldy🚧
Work is really starting to come along at Templehall Community Hub – where the roofing works are now complete and the external envelope is progressing nicely. Thanks Lynsey, for the photos!
Replacing the existing community centre, the hub will become a vibrant space where key services can collaborate and deliver support all under one roof.
Designed to meet Fife Council’s sustainability objectives, the project is targeting Passivhaus Classic certification — achieving high levels of energy efficiency through a fabric-first approach, alongside bright, comfortable and welcoming indoor spaces supported by natural light and ventilation.
We love having the opportunity to visit our schemes on site and begin to see our vision come to life! Find out more about what’s to come by visiting our project page 👉 https://lnkd.in/eJ82xZF4
#architecture #buildingconsultancy #communitybuilding #passivhausdesign #sustainablebuildings #progressupdate
www.linkedin.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:00 AM
🔦Take a look at the Templehall Community Hub!
Another Fife Council project targeting Passivhaus, with a project team led by AHR. Greengauge is proud to be Passivhaus Certifier on the project.
www.linkedin.com/pos...
@passivpaul.bsky.social @passivhaustrust.bsky.social @ipha.bsky.social
Another Fife Council project targeting Passivhaus, with a project team led by AHR. Greengauge is proud to be Passivhaus Certifier on the project.
www.linkedin.com/pos...
@passivpaul.bsky.social @passivhaustrust.bsky.social @ipha.bsky.social
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
Eliminating mandatory parking minimums wouldn't apply to accessible parking required by law. It also wouldn't stop parking from being built. Many developers will still choose to provide some parking.
November 22, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Eliminating mandatory parking minimums wouldn't apply to accessible parking required by law. It also wouldn't stop parking from being built. Many developers will still choose to provide some parking.
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
5. codistricts!
we need to find a way to rezone areas of the city that aren't just urban cannibalism - devouring existing affordable homes & small retail for massive, expensive buildings w/ zero space for nature or community.
youtu.be/sn0ADl3YpHI?...
we need to find a way to rezone areas of the city that aren't just urban cannibalism - devouring existing affordable homes & small retail for massive, expensive buildings w/ zero space for nature or community.
youtu.be/sn0ADl3YpHI?...
PHN Presents Building for People
YouTube video by The Passive House Network
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 9:09 PM
5. codistricts!
we need to find a way to rezone areas of the city that aren't just urban cannibalism - devouring existing affordable homes & small retail for massive, expensive buildings w/ zero space for nature or community.
youtu.be/sn0ADl3YpHI?...
we need to find a way to rezone areas of the city that aren't just urban cannibalism - devouring existing affordable homes & small retail for massive, expensive buildings w/ zero space for nature or community.
youtu.be/sn0ADl3YpHI?...
Reposted by kevin @ think | design | consult
4. passivhaus!
we're already seeing effects of climate change: seasonal wildfire smoke, heat events, etc. the city should build all new public buildings (and retrofit where makes sense) to the passivhaus standard in order to protect employees and public, and build an ecosystem to deliver affordably
we're already seeing effects of climate change: seasonal wildfire smoke, heat events, etc. the city should build all new public buildings (and retrofit where makes sense) to the passivhaus standard in order to protect employees and public, and build an ecosystem to deliver affordably
November 20, 2025 at 9:01 PM
4. passivhaus!
we're already seeing effects of climate change: seasonal wildfire smoke, heat events, etc. the city should build all new public buildings (and retrofit where makes sense) to the passivhaus standard in order to protect employees and public, and build an ecosystem to deliver affordably
we're already seeing effects of climate change: seasonal wildfire smoke, heat events, etc. the city should build all new public buildings (and retrofit where makes sense) to the passivhaus standard in order to protect employees and public, and build an ecosystem to deliver affordably