Project Highlight: Kirsch-Stroupe Residence near Winter Park
What do you get when you cross motivated homeowners, with sustainable builders, and an interest in Passive House design? This special combination is the bones for a truly special residential project up in Tabernash, CO near Winter Park for the Kirsch-Stroupe Residence. This project is a collaboration between Matt Kirsch and Kerri Stroupe, Bishop Built, and other Passive House Partners. The results so far are amazing!
As we write this article, the house is still in process. (We canât wait to see the final product!) However, because itâs in process, we can see so much of the careful work being done to make this house as sustainable as possible with Passive House best practices. Itâs been pretty fun to see the work that goes in, in order to make the final product work and run efficiently.
The Players:
Homeowners
Ultimately, the desire to pursue sustainable and efficient Passive House strategies has to be a core value for the homeowners, especially in a difficult climate like Tabernash (one of the colder areas of Colorado). Matt and Kerri had a deep desire to live in an energy-efficient home and have an ongoing passion for a more sustainable lifestyle.
Contractors
Zane Bishop, of Bishop Built, has been an integral part of this project and stepped up to the plate! As the contractor, he has the obvious role in making the building a reality. Bishop Built has been building homes since 1982 and has a reputation for premium craftsmanship, clear communication, and full accountability. However, Zane also took Emuâs Passive House Training Class, which meant that not only was this a great construction plan for the home (also a part of Emuâs Pilot Program), but it is a sustainable one as well. This is huge for the Granby/Winter Park area as the Bishop Built team raised the bar in what local contractors can, and do, offer!
Partners
Our team at AE Building Systems had a small role in this project, as a supplier for SIGA products. As a belt and suspenders approach, the project leveraged both the Majrex interior system and Majvest exterior system to help achieve Passive House airtightness levels. We also were available to support the Bishop team and answer any questions that arose around the products. While our part feels small, our emotional investment in the success of this project has been huge. And, weâre so thrilled for the Kirsch-Stroupeâs to enjoy their Passive House soon!
Another great partner on this project is Front Range Fenestration. They installed the windows and are great for window installations in the Rocky Mountain region. Weâve worked with them for many years and loved being on the team together for this Kirsch-Stroupe Residence!
Project Features:
While there are countless areas where this project has leaned into efficient practices, a huge focus has been on air sealing and insulation. This is a common thread on any Passive House project. As you can see in the photos, this part of the construction was not just a quick blip, but an intentional focus. For example, double-stud walls allow for increased insulation and reduced thermal bridging. In addition, SIGA products were utilized heavily to provide airtightness and reduce air infiltration.
Project Flow:
Any construction project needs forethought to ensure that the project flows properly. Weâve seen supply chain issues in the past couple of years that continue and have been a significant concern into 2021. When youâre considering a Passive House project, you need to make sure youâre managing timelines and milestones even more. Sequencing was a major consideration and every aspect had to be considered months ahead of time. Communication with subcontractors on the schedule was a huge puzzle to solve and manage, but so far has been a success.
Find this project intriguing? You might be dreaming about a passive, sustainable home in the future and we want you to know that, yes, itâs possible! Beautiful homes that fit these efficient building standards ARE possible and possible here in Colorado. If youâre dreaming about that future home, talk to our team! We can help educate you, as a consumer, on what materials (like SIGA which was on this project) are helpful to consider.
If youâre a builder and want to offer more sustainable and efficient Passive House building options for your clients, make sure you talk to our team as well. We nerd out daily on the latest and greatest approaches available. We love to pass on that knowledge. Not only that, but also check out EMUâs Passive House Trainings and consider leveling up your own knowledge on these innovative building strategies.
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More construction and detail shots:
Just a Q on double stud walls, Todd. We go to lengths in standard construction to ensure insulation contaict. On these double stud walls – is there an air gap (wouldn’t think so) or just blown insulation straight through?
Kyle, What I have seen is blown insulation in the entire cavity
Todd …… What windows are being used on this project?
Barry, I will send you an email as well. I do not remember which manufacturer they used but I believe the windows were made in Europe. They are similar to the windows we provide from Advantage Architectural woodwork – wood-clad – Euro Style but made in Colby, KS. Super high quality and a bit more costly – great value looking at it from a total cost of ownership POV as they are going to last longer than I am going to last so to speak. Heirloom quality.
The Manual J heating load of this home is 24,000 BTU/hr, which is particularly impressive because the design temperature is -20 °F. We selected an ARCTIC 050 air-to-water heatpump for space heating and domestic hot water with an expected annual average COP of 3.2. Compared to propane the operating cost is roughly a third. Electric resistance heat is available for backup, mainly during very high domestic hot water demand and during outdoor temperatures below -20 °F.