What is a [Passivhaus] Passive House?

Essentially, it is a very well insulated and quality constructed house with a compact design aiming to minimize the heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer by taking advantage of techniques such as passive solar heat in winter. Passive strategies can not only dramatically reduce the energy used for operating, heating and cooling your home, but also make your home more healthy and comfortable to live in. Please contact us to learn more about the Passive House standard.

Why fab-homes instead of another green home design?

We are unique in creating dwellings pre-designed along the Passive House principles which we combine with modern, sustainable architecture offering you one of the most energy efficient and green homes out there. We also believe our low-energy fab-homes are of the highest design level, they are affordable and progressive.

Who will be building my fab-home?

We recommend working with our builder partner in your area (US/Canada) or you can select your own builder/general contractor. In any case, we would be working closely with the contractor to ensure that your initial vision and design goal is reflected in the end product. It is important though to choose a contractor you can trust, one with a good reputation and who is familiar with the newest green building techniques. The construction agreement will be directly with your builder/contractor. BTW, the shell (floor, wall, roof system) for our designs is also available as high efficiency panelized pre-fab. Contact us for more info.

Can you make some minor adjustments to the floorplans and design?

Absolutely, our design team will work with you on alterations you would like to make to the design. Some might be required depending on the lot location, solar positioning, climate, local building code, etc.. We want to ensure that your fab-home is a 100% fit.

Is a fab-home more expensive to construct than a standard home?

Based on experiences in the US and Canada, the construction costs for a Passive House can be 0% - 10% higher compared to an average home but do not have to be more expensive than for a quality constructed home. Due to the lower operating costs, the monthly cost of ownership for a Fab-home are likely lower than for a standard home, not to mention the lower lifecycle costs. Further, government and municipal green building grants can help offset the initial additional construction investment. Please contact us for more information.

Can I purchase the construction drawings and building license only?

Absolutely, you can acquire the construction drawings and building license of your favourite fab-home. We will be happy to provide you with a proposal for any additional services.

What is included in the construction documents?

Included: Foundation Plan, Floorplans, Elevations/Typical Sections, Roof Plan, Connection Details, Window Schedule & Details, Building License
Optional: Site Plan, Plan Configurations & Customization, PHPP Energy Modelling, Other Design & Consulting Services

I want a Passive House but have my own design vision. Are you offering custom architectural
design services?

Absolutely, we are offering full architectural design services. We would be happy to provide you with a proposal.

What about the Interior Design?

We are pleased to offer custom interior design services. But you are certainly welcome to work with your own Interior designer or contractor on realizing your design vision. Detailed floorplans are included in the basic design package.

Are these homes capable to be off-grid?

Absolutely. Our fab-homes are designed to be as energy efficient as possible and all designs call for pre-wiring for future renewable energy sources such as Photovoltaic or wind energy and rough in plumbing for Solar Hot Water. It is up to you how far you would like to take it. Our Passive House energy calculation (PHPP) will give you the detailed information and breakdown on the design energy consumption of your fab-home.

What about multifamily projects? Are you working with builders and developers?

Yes. We are currently working on a Passive Townhouse and Passive Multifamily concept. Our team has significant experience in designing both, Single Family and Multifamily projects. We would be pleased to work directly with builders and developers. Please contact us for more information.

I have an inner City lot, infill lot and look for a suitable design such as a Laneway House.
Maybe you can help me?

Absolutely. Our designs are flexible and can easily be customized to meet your needs. Several fab-home models are very suitable for small City/infill lots or Laneway Housing.

Why fab-homes instead of another green home design?

We are unique in offering construction documents and design services empracing the Passive House principles and combining it with modern, sustainable architecture offering you one of the most energy efficient and green home plans out there. We also believe our low-energy Fab-homes™ designs are of the highest design level, they are affordable and progressive.