Hale Malama

Eugene, OR

Technical Specifications

Type: Single family, new construction (2020)
Passive house design: PHIUS+2018 certified
Highly-insulated envelope: super-insulated foundation, roof, and wall systems with tightly-sealed weather barriers create an airtight thermal enclosure.
All electric: avoids fossil fuels and eliminates carbon monoxide and other pollutants.
Electric vehicle ready: pre-installed conduit to the driveway for a future charger
Solar: small photovoltaic system (12 panels) on the roof, 4.7kW
Windows: triple-pane, tilt-turn windows keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Outside sounds mitigated while allowing for plenty of daylight and fresh air.
HVAC system: mechanical heat pump ventilation system with HEPA filtration supplying continuous fresh, filtered, outside air. The system provides heating, air conditioning and manages moisture levels for optimal indoor air quality. Filters are maintained three times a year and effectively block smoke and particulates during recent fires.

High-efficiency appliances and lighting: LED lighting and ENERGY STAR appliances throughout significantly reduce energy use.
Water: WaterSense-certified showerheads, faucets, and toilets reduce water and energy use.
Floors: hard-surface concrete and bamboo flooring do not harbor dust mites, mold, household dust, and debris, or harmful chemicals that can off-gas into the home over time.
Finishes: paints, finishes, and building materials with low- or no-VOCs.
Fire-resistant siding: shou sugi ban technique provides a durable zero-carbon siding material coming from responsibly-managed forests.
Rainscreen wall system: increases the longevity of materials by preventing moisture from entering the wall cavity.
Stormwater planter: all rainwater run-off from roof and impervious surfaces is filtered before it goes to the stormwater sewer line.

Alison's Zero Energy Story

I am a professor of architecture and director of the NetZED Laboratory at the University of Oregon...(expand for full story)

I teach courses in design, environmental systems, research methods, building performance, and passive house design (where students have the option to become certified passive house consultants). In deciding to build this house in Eugene, Oregon, I combined three roles as educator, architect, and homeowner to share tangible information with students on the successes (and challenges) of high-performance design.

The decision to start the project came after many studies of the site and bringing together experts, other architects, certified passive house consultants, and a builder that was willing to combine his expertise with these goals. It was exciting to bring students into the design and construction process through guided workshops using the blower door to test for envelope tightness, infrared cameras to detect areas of heat loss, and humidity sensors and wood moisture meters to monitor water.

The site was unique with the street side facing due south, making it ideal for solar access, ease of shading, and cross ventilation potential. Pursuing passive house certification and the Earth Advantage program went hand-in-hand, and with the external rater, helped us to fine-tune the systems and make sure it was done right. When COVID hit, the entire project was delayed to allow only one sub-contractor indoors at a time. A pleasant surprise is that the air quality is superior, even during the wildfires there was no smoky smell or particulate.

Growing up in Hawaii, Hale Malama is designed to feel open and connected to the outside. Now that the project is complete, we’re imagining the house as a place to gather people on the deck (lanai) and as a place to learn about resilience and stewardship. We did not hit the net zero energy target but did spend only $500 for the year in electricity costs (including the base charge).

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