Lunch & Learn: An Introduction to Passive House with David Komet (1HSW)

Title: An Introduction to Passive House

Continuing education credit: 1 AIA LU/HSW, administered by the Passive House Network

Lunch provided

Location:

Parkhill Fort Worth - Frost Tower

640 Taylor St. Ste 1900

Fort Worth, TX 76102

Description:

Passive House goals and methodology change the way architects and builders think and work, making architectural design itself a driver of climate, health, and social solutions. The presentation introduces the fundamental principles, history, certification process, and design tools associated with the international Passive House standard. Case studies illustrate how these principles influence occupant comfort, indoor air quality, durability, energy performance, and project delivery.

For the Ft. Worth audience, I will emphasize how these principles apply in hot-humid conditions, particularly airtightness, solar control, humidity management, and balanced ventilation. I will also bring an owner’s financial perspective to the discussion, presenting Passive House as a value-engineering framework. The presentation will examine how early performance modeling and targeted envelope investments help reduce mechanical tonnage, electrical-service requirements, equipment count, operating costs, and project risk.

Presenter:

David Komet is a San Antonio-based real estate developer, Certified Passive House Consultant, founder of Urban Earth Advisory, and founding member of the Passive House Gulf Coast chapter. His work focuses on applying building science and Passive House methodology to hot-humid projects, with particular attention to energy performance, enclosure design, moisture durability, ventilation, and indoor air quality. Drawing on his development and investment experience, he evaluates high-performance design through both a building-science and financial lens, treating performance as a value-engineering opportunity rather than a sustainability premium.

Parking and Building Access:

The parking garage is located off Lamar and 5th street. You will need to take a ticket at the gate, and you can park anywhere that is not marked. Be sure to bring your parking ticket with you for validation.

Once you park, you will take the elevator to the "Sky Lobby". At the Sky Lobby you will follow the open hallway around the corner (past the restaurant) to the security desk. Just let security know you are headed to Parkhill.