Investing in advanced builder training is a smart move for both an individual looking to break into the industry, as well as for companies wanting to remain competitive and innovative. Learn more...

Investing in advanced builder training is a smart move for both an individual looking to break into the industry, as well as for companies wanting to remain competitive and innovative. Learn more...
The construction system certification is possibly the least known certification offered by the Passivhaus Institut, and yet it can help spreading passive buildings all over the world.
We worked on the first system certification for passive houses in a warm climate: we try and explain what it's all about.
A couple of weeks ago I attended the Living Future unConference in Seattle, Washington, USA, organized by the International Living Future Institute, the managing body for one of the most ambitious and visionary environmental building certifications available in the world - the Living Building Challenge. Two weeks later, I was again fortunate enough to attend the introduction of this certification here in Italy at the REGENERATION competition and conference hosted by Macro Design Studio in Rovereto, Italy. Here are my impressions from both events...
In December we ran a 'Type B' Blower Door Test on our CasaClima Class A project, "Conte Re", under construction near Albinea (in the province of Reggio Emilia, Italy). Many of our colleagues wondered why we decided to run the test so early in the construction process. Here is a brief overview of the benefits...
After you've done your research, evaluated your options, and settled on passive design as a valid and worthy goal for your dream home, you usually arrive at this very important question: "But what will my passive house look like?!" The possibilities are limitless! Almost. Why almost?
With great delay, the Italian government has finally implemented the EU Directive 2010/31 on Near Zero Energy Buildings.
This directive leads the way for the future development of the entire European construction industry: let's explore what it is, shall we?
We are pleased to announce that Emu Architects' very own Enrico Bonilauri has officially become a Certified Passivhaus Designer, after having passed the Passivhaus Institut exam in December 2012.
This prestigious and internationally recognized professional certification is, without a doubt, a very important step in our continued education.
From a purely commercial point of view, the Italian real estate market seems to now understand the concept of the energy certification of buildings. However, the certificate itself is not sufficient to ensure the comfort and quality of the building.…
Given the recent developments in European legislation on energy efficiency, the theme of near or Net Zero energy buildings has become a hot topic. In a market that tends to interchange names, definitions, and standards of construction, we propose a…
Read More The Main Difference Between a Passive House and a Near or Net Zero Energy House
After the success of our collaborative stand with Octopus Lab Project at the 'Salone del Mobile' (furniture expo) in Parma last winter, we decided to repeat the experience at the 2012 edition of Casa&Tavola (Home&Table) expo in Reggio Emilia. From…
Read More Emu Architects at Casa e Tavola 2012 (‘Home and Table’ expo) in Reggio Emilia