Integrating Passive Design Strategies & Resiliency Measures for Carbon Reduction
Paul Halajian Architects (PHA) won one of three merit awards for The American Institute of Architects, California’s (AIA CA) tenth annual “Architecture at Zero” competition with their submission, De La Tierra. Their project focused on developing affordable housing for the families of farmworkers on a site in Visalia, California. Although the design team at PHA contended globally against 180 entries from 35 different countries, PHA’s foresighted strategies, detailed analysis, and inventive decarbonization measures set its submission apart from its peers.
This case study discusses PHA’s design goals - carbon reduction, resiliency, and equity – and examines how the design team used these goals to achieve net-zero carbon and net-zero energy while prioritizing the unique nature of the residents’ needs. It also provides an overview of the project details, including the insights gained from the initial research process, passive design strategies and resiliency measures leveraged, and a breakdown of the schematic design and design development phases.
