Expanding the Boundaries of Passive Design
At River Architects, one of the most persistent misconceptions we encounter is that Passive House is a “style”, something best suited to compact single-family homes or ultra-modern new builds.
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Passive House Design on Sagamore Lake
A Phius Design Certified Passive House overlooking Sagamore Lake. This high-performance lakeside retreat pairs energy efficiency with expansive views and natural light.
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Celebrating a Milestone in High-Performance Building
We’re excited to share that James Hartford has earned his Certified Passive House Builder (CPHB) credential! This meaningful professional milestone further strengthens our firm’s expertise in high-performance design and construction.
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A Passive House Taking Shape in Damascus
Even in the midst of construction, some houses begin to reveal their intentions early. This home in Damascus, Pennsylvania is one of them, a project shaped as much by long-term vision as by the immediate realities of site, climate, and craft.
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PHA Live 101: Single Family Passive House
Have you ever wanted a clearer understanding of what makes Passive buildings truly work? December’s Passive House Accelerator 101 event offers exactly that.
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Stepping Into the Landscape: Ridgeline House
Our Ridgeline House project is almost ready to make its debut, and it’s already turning heads. During a recent site visit, the construction crew had just finished several key areas, and we couldn’t resist capturing some candid photos.
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River Architects honored at PhiusCon for The Bank Lofts
We’re thrilled to share a proud moment from PhiusCon 2025 in Milwaukee — where James Hartford, Principal at River Architects, accepted the Phius Design Competition 2025 medal in the Retrofit Category for The Bank Lofts project.
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The Bank Lofts wins the 2025 Phius Design Competition
The Bank Lofts has been named the Winner in the Retrofit category of the 2025 Phius Passive Projects Design Competition!
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Ridgeline House Site Visit
Our team recently visited our Passive Design Certified Ridgeline House project.
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China Pond Passive Progress
Work at our China Pond Passive project has turned toward the outdoors as the ground has thawed and spring planting season is upon us.
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Ridgeline House Progress
Our Ridgeline House project is progressing quickly, thanks to great collaboration with our client and the building team.
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Hudson Banks High Performance Home
Hudson Banks is a modern riverfront estate that River Architects designed using Passive building principles.
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Little Loaf Bakeshop Grand Opening
James and Juhee were delighted to visit our clients Little Loaf Bakeshop this weekend to celebrate the grand opening of their bakery and café.
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Finishing Touches at a Passive Project
We’re loving the decorative finishes going in to our China Pond Passive project, which is almost ready for the family to move in.
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China Pond Site Visit
River Architects visited our China Pond Passive House project to review progress and share details with our staff.
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Bank Lofts Vault Restoration
The historic vault at the Bank Lofts was a team favorite, and we were so excited to it restored. How would you use this space?
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Upstate Cabin
A recent upstate cabin project was built to Passive building standards, and is filled light with natural light.
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Eddie Award for Metropolis Video
River Architects was thrilled when our House on the Pond project was featured in the Metropolis and Design TV by Sandow video series, Natural Habitat - and now the video has won an Eddie award!
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