FOCO - Millhaus

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PROJECT TEAM

• Built: 2020

• Size: 3,254-SF

• Budget: $1,000,000 (5-10% performance)

• Type: New Construction

• Performance: All Electric, PHI Classic

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PROJECT NARRATIVE

Millhaus derives its name from the historic Cherry Mill property on which it stands and the Passive House (“Haus”) principles that guided its design. Inspired by the agricultural heritage of Colorado’s foothills and plains, the home reinterprets the form of a traditional mill through three asymmetrical gable volumes connected by flat-roofed elements supported by exposed steel. Natural materials, including Cradle-to-Cradle certified bark siding, reinforce its connection to place while creating a contemporary expression of regional modernism.

From the outset, Passive House principles were integral to the design process. Through iterative modeling and careful refinement of orientation, massing, glazing, and shading, the project sought to demonstrate that rigorous building performance and high-quality architecture can strengthen one another rather than compete.

To gain firsthand Passive House construction experience, the architect/homeowner served as general contractor and primary builder for much of the project. The home is powered entirely by renewable energy, utilizing a geothermal heat pump, photovoltaic array, and battery storage system.

Developed through Emu Systems’ Pilot Program, Millhaus also explored cost-effective, replicable Passive House construction methods. Through tours, educational events, and industry outreach, the project has become a local learning resource and a built example of how elegant design and measurable high performance can successfully coexist.

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MATERIALS & CONSERVATION

Fire resilient features: At the time this home was built, fire risk was not a concern. However, since the Marshall Fire things have changed and some of the decisions made would have likely been different now.

Natural Materials: Tulip Poplar bark siding by Barkhouse.

Conservation: Cement fiber accent siding contains recycled content. Reclaimed brick used on the interior. Reworked and repurposed cabinetry and countertops in office and guest bath.

SPECIFICATIONS

WINDOWS

• Spec: Smartwin by Advantage Architectural Woodwork, Uf 0.14

ENVELOPE + INSULATION

• Airtightness: 0.44 ACH50

• Slab: 30.5

• Wall underground: N/A

• Wall aboveground: R-35.4

• Roof: R-61

MECHANICAL

• Heat Pump: Nordic Maritime Geothermal

• ERV: Zehnder - ComfoAir Q450

• Water heater: Rheem Marathon

• Radiant Heat: Bathroom floors only

ON-SITE RENEWABLES

• PV: 5.84, Battery LG - 9.3 kWh

• Geothermal: 2.5 tons via 2 - 250' deep wells

OTHER GREEN FEATURES

• EV Charging Ready

• The landscape design emphasized sustainable, low water use, native plantings and most of the site has been left or restored to native conditions. An emphasis was also made to support pollinators and birds.