The Invisible Force Holding Our Buildings Back

Why aren't we building as well as we could be? The answer does not lie in a lack of technical knowledge, but in our deeply held beliefs about our place in the world. As the brilliant systems thinker from the MIT Systems Dynamics group, Donella Meadows, teaches us, our "paradigms" or worldviews are our most powerful levers for change.

The Collaborative Legacy of Lake|Flato Architects and Positive Energy

The landscape of contemporary architecture is increasingly defined by the synergy between visionary design and rigorous building science. At the forefront of this evolution stands the enduring partnership between San Antonio based Lake|Flato Architects, renowned for their distinctive, context-responsive designs, and Positive Energy, an Austin, TX-based residential MEP engineering and building science firm. For over a decade, our collaboration has consistently yielded award-winning projects, particularly within the challenging environmental contexts of the Texas Hill Country and beyond. This blog post explores how our integrated approach to design has not only created beautiful and award winning architecture, but also offers invaluable lessons for the broader architectural community.

Architectural Design, Architecture 2030, Building Enclosure, Building Science, Environmental Design, Healthy Home, HVAC, Indoor Air Quality, Mechanical Design, MEP2040, Natural Building Material, Off-grid, Solar, VentilationPositive EnergyJune 3, 2025Lake|Flato Architects, Positive Energy, collaborative legacy, building science, human-centered design, healthy spaces, comfortable spaces, resilient spaces, residential MEP engineering, environmental conservation, resource conservation, energy efficiency, carbon reduction, integrated design, architectural vision, engineering expertise, human well-being, Marfa Ranch, rammed earth, thermal mass, passive heating, passive cooling, moisture management, award-winning projects, The Prow, off-grid resilience, net-zero energy, photovoltaic array, battery storage, solar thermal collectors, rainwater harvesting, energy modeling, window-to-wall ratio, insulation levels, Verde Creek Ranch, solar array, Tesla batteries, energy independence, Confluence Park, sustainable design, biomimicry, green roof, urban regeneration, Madrone Mesa Ranch, Fall Creek Residence, River Bend Residence, Hog Pen Creek Residence, sustainable architecture

Feldman Architecture and Positive Energy Forge a Path to World Class Architecture

Feldman Architecture is a distinguished firm based in San Francisco and widely recognized for their creation of warm, light-filled spaces characterized by an understated modern aesthetic. Beyond the visual appeal of their designs, Feldman Architecture is driven by a profound commitment to addressing complex problems through design, aiming to significantly enhance human interaction with the built environment and the planet. This ethos finds a powerful complement in our work here at Positive Energy. We are a specialty MEP engineering and building science firm from Austin, TX, and share with our partners at Feldman Architecture a foundational mission to transform the delivery of conditioned space to society.

Architectural Design, Building Science, Electrification, Environmental Design, Healthy Home, High Performance Homes, Indoor Air Quality, Mechanical Design, Natural Building Material, Solar, Wildfire, Embodied Carbon, MEP2040, Architecture 2030Positive EnergyJune 2, 2025Feldman Architecture, Positive Energy, Santa Lucia Preserve, MEP Design Engineering, Title 24 consulting, sustainable design, architectural excellence, ethical design, building science, Living Building Challenge (LBC), Carbon Budget initiative, high-performance design, regenerative principles, technical expertise, aesthetic expression, contextual design, MEP2040 Challenge, carbon reduction, operational carbon, embodied carbon, electrification, building physics, design decisions, performance metrics, code compliance, aesthetics, emotional resonance, material selection, concrete, structural steel, aluminum, spray foam insulation, mass timber, wood doors and windows, locally sourced stone, low-carbon CMU, Red List avoidance, Curveball project, Fog's Edge project, Cloud's Rest project, Stone's Throw project, Modern Craft project, radical candor, intergenerational transfer of ethos, Climate Studio, Tally, energy modeling, daylighting, photovoltaic (PV) systems, AIA California Climate Action Committees, reach codes, advocacy, talent attraction, job turnover, collaboration, specialized consultants, ecosystem, jazz improvisation, role of architect, design constraints, 2030 Challenge, industry standards, business benefits of sustainability, "role power", human well-being, mental health.

The Theresa Passive House: A Blueprint for High-Performance Design in Hot-Humid Climates

The Theresa Passive House, nestled in Austin's historic Clarksville neighborhood, stands as a remarkable example of how architectural preservation can harmoniously merge with modern sustainable design. This 2100 square foot residence, completed in 2020, is not merely a renovation and addition to a 1914 Craftsman bungalow; it is a meticulously engineered dwelling that embodies rigorous targets in energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, embodied carbon, and responsible materials sourcing.[1] These ambitious goals were established by the Passive House Institute U.S. (Phius), a leading authority in high-performance building standards.

Architectural Design, Building Enclosure, Building Science, Code, Dehumidification, Electrification, Environmental Design, Filtration, Healthy Home, Heat Pumps, High Performance Homes, HVAC, Indoor Air Quality, Mechanical Design, Passive House, Phius, Solar, VentilationPositive EnergyMay 28, 2025Theresa Passive House, high-performance design, hot-humid climates, residential performance, sustainable design, architectural preservation, energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, embodied carbon, responsible materials sourcing, Passive House Institute U.S. (Phius), Phius certification, PHIUS 2018+ Source Zero, ASHRAE Climate Zone 2A, photovoltaic panels, battery backup systems, self-sufficiency, resilience, Forge Craft Architecture + Design, Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects, Studio Ferme, integrated design process, building envelope, HVAC system, on-site solar panels, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) engineering, Positive Energy, building science, human-centered design, net-zero energy buildings, heating loads, cooling loads, source energy, airtightness, energy modeling, continuous insulation, thermal bridges, air changes per hour (ACH@50 Pa), air leakage, Blower Door Test, high-performance windows, triple-glazing, low-emissivity (low-e) coatings, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), balanced ventilation, Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs), dedicated dehumidification, right-sizing mechanical systems, comfort, health, durability, passive survivability, Winter Storm Uri, University of Texas research, climate-specific standards, moisture management, key performance metrics, site energy use index (EUI), renewable energy production, wall assemblies, water control layer, air control layer, thermal control layer, vapor control layer, wood frame system, mineral wool insulation, unvented roof, Marvin windows, indoor pollutants, combustion products, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5), ASHRAE Standard 62.2, ventilation rates, Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pump AC, Panasonic Intellibalance 1000 ERV, MERV filtration, heat pump hot water heater, climate resilience, extreme weather events, grid outages, source zero certification, community education, AIA Housing Award, Passive Project of the Year – Retrofit, Austin Green Awards, affordable multifamily housing, building envelope prioritization, mechanical ventilation with energy recovery (ERV) implementation, MEP systems integration, advanced air filtration, MERV ratings, active energy independence, photovoltaics, battery storage, MEP engineer collaboration, climate-specific MEP solutions, commissioning agent

Marfa Ranch

The Marfa Ranch is a distinguished residential project by Lake Flato Architects, is thoughtfully situated on a low rise within the expansive, pristine desert grasslands of Marfa, Texas. This unique location, nestled between the Chihuahuan Desert and the majestic Davis Mountains, presents a challenging yet profoundly beautiful environment. The architectural design of the ranch consciously adopts a low profile, comprising eight distinct structures meticulously organized around a central courtyard. This layout, shaded by native mesquite trees, serves as a cool respite from the sun-drenched desert beyond its walls, drawing inspiration from the area's earliest regional architectural traditions. Architect Bob Harris of Lake Flato articulated that the design embodies a "deliberate quality of spareness that matches the qualities of the land," emphasizing the importance of the house maintaining a low profile to merge seamlessly with the terrain while simultaneously opening to distant views and providing crucial protection from the region's harsh winds and intense sun. This project has garnered significant recognition, including the 2022 Texas Society of Architects Design Award and its inclusion in Dezeen's Top 10 Houses of 2022.

Architectural Design, Building Enclosure, Building Science, Environmental Design, Healthy Home, High Performance Homes, HVAC, Indoor Air Quality, Mechanical Design, Natural Building Material, VentilationPositive EnergyMay 28, 2025Marfa Ranch architecture, applied building science, Chihuahuan Desert environment, Lake Flato Architects, residential project design, courtyard layout, regional architectural traditions, low profile design, Bob Harris (Lake Flato), spareness of design, Texas Society of Architects Design Award, Dezeen Top 10 Houses of 2022, climate-responsive architecture, vernacular architecture, thermal mass, passive cooling, rammed earth walls, modern building science, MEP engineering, building envelope consultants, Positive Energy (MEP firm), human-centered design, healthy spaces, comfortable spaces, resilient spaces, building envelope, MEP systems, integrated design approach, thermal mass definition, specific heat capacity, diurnal temperature ranges, thermal lag, R-value, moisture resilience, Portland cement stabilization, compressive strength, longevity of rammed earth, hydrophobic additives, drainage, slab edge, moisture management, thermal conductivity, moisture content, hygric buffering, density of rammed earth, thermal lag hours, compressive strength of rammed earth, lifespan of rammed earth, R-value of insulated rammed earth, rammed earth wall performance attributes, air barrier, air pressure differences, energy loss prevention, moisture issues prevention, interstitial condensation, indoor air quality, controlled ventilation, mechanical ventilation, Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs), Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) definition, IAQ impacts on health, IAQ pollutants (particulate matter, VOCs, combustion byproducts), ASHRAE standards, green-certified buildings, cognitive function, passive building strategies, ventilation strategies, filtration strategies, humidity control strategies, source control strategies, MERV rating, whole-house fresh air systems, local exhaust systems, humidity range, low-VOC materials, combustion safety, holistic MEP design, hydronic heating system, VRF heating/cooling system, resilient design, sustainable water management, water scarcity, groundwater contamination, water conservation, greywater capture, onsite water storage, adaptive reuse (water tank to pool), rainwater collection, building science principles, durable wall assemblies, Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) for IAQ, early collaboration between architects and engineers, healthier buildings, resilient buildings, positive Energy's mission, Kristof Irwin

The Resurgence of Natural Building Materials in High-End Homes: A Building Science Perspective for Architects

The landscape of luxury residential architecture is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by an escalating demand for homes that embody both sophisticated elegance and profound environmental responsibility. This evolution is particularly evident in the growing emphasis on sustainable practices, personalization, and a deep, intrinsic connection to the natural world. By the end of this decade, it is anticipated that high-end homes will prominently feature biophilic design principles, seamlessly integrating elements such as optimized natural light, lush indoor gardens, and fluid indoor-outdoor living spaces. This is not merely a passing aesthetic trend but a fundamental redefinition of luxury, where well-being and ecological stewardship are as valued as opulence and exclusivity.

Natural Building Material, Indoor Air Quality, High Performance Homes, Healthy Home, Environmental Design, Code, Building Science, Building Enclosure, Architectural DesignPositive EnergyMay 26, 2025luxury residential architecture, sustainable practices, personalization, environmental responsibility, biophilic design, natural light, indoor gardens, indoor-outdoor living spaces, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Agreement, net-zero energy buildings, carbon footprint, eco-friendly building materials, passive design strategies, smart home technologies, personalized climate control, AI-driven systems, sustainable materials, natural building materials, renewable resources, low carbon footprints, recyclability, biodegradability, greenhouse gas emissions, construction waste, energy efficiency, insulation, thermal properties, indoor air quality (IAQ), low-VOC compositions, breathability, durability, organic aesthetic appeal, wellness strategy, building science, building envelopes, moisture management, bulk water, vapor diffusion, air-transported moisture, deflection, drainage, drying, vapor pressure, vapor permeability, dew point, hygroscopic materials, hydrophilic materials, hydrophobic materials, capillarity, hygric buffering, vapor retarders, vapor barriers, cold climates, hot and humid climates, mixed climates, thermal performance, R-value, thermal mass, heat capacity, thermal conductivity, density, specific heat capacity, thermal inertia, air movement, natural ventilation, wind-driven ventilation, stack effect, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), off-gassing, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, earthen homes, adobe, compressed earth block (CEB), rammed earth, compressive strength, seismic considerations, reinforcement techniques, foundations, moisture barriers, wall protection, code acceptance, hemp-based materials, hempcrete, hemp batt insulation, carbon sink, hemp hurds, lime-based binder, fire resistance, char layer formation, VOC neutralization, structural frame, shear strength, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), engineered wood, CNC technologies, load-bearing capabilities, strength-to-weight ratio, acoustic properties, sound absorption, floating floors, charring effect, fire ratings, prefabrication, climate-specific design, structural engineers, building science consultants, skilled professionals.

The Campsite at Shield Ranch

The Campsite at Shield Ranch was designed by our friends at Andersson / Wise . It is a 100% off-grid community designed to engage and celebrate the natural context of the ecologically diverse 6800-acre hill country sanctuary where it sits. The camp features an open-air pavilion, screened shelters, and miles of hiking trails just 22 miles from downtown Austin. Positive Energy was hired to perform MEP engineering, solar design and engineering, and Resilient Systems consulting. The Resilient Systems we master planned for the program include a 64kW architecturally integrated solar array, a 200kWh (100kW peak power capacity) backup battery array, a 60kW emergency propane genset, and we consulted with another rainwater system engineer a couple of 60k gallon rainwater collection tanks for occupancy use with TECQ compliant filtration for public consumption (as well as necessary rainwater storage for fire suppression).

Architectural Design, Building Enclosure, Building Science, Electrification, Environmental Design, HVAC, Mechanical Design, Natural Building Material, Off-grid, Solar, Batteries, GeneratorPositive EnergyFebruary 28, 2023Shield Ranch, Off-Grid Campsite, Sustainable Development, Microgrid, Solar PV System, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Propane Generator, Rainwater Harvesting, Water Conservation, Evaporative Toilets, Wastewater Management, SITES Gold Certification, Conservation Easements, Barton Creek Watershed, Ecological Protection, Vegetation and Soil Protection Zones, Topsoil Reuse, Native Plant Restoration, Light Pollution, Dark Sky Designation, Quiet Place Designation, Climate Change Resilience, MEP Engineering, On-Site Power Engineer, Building Science, Human-Centered Design, Energy Systems Consulting, Solar Design, Battery Array Design, Generator Integration, Regulatory Breakthroughs, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Travis County, Off-Grid Living, Resilient Spaces, Self-Sufficiency, Integrated Design, Collaborative Engineering.

Environmental Design: Where Art & Science Intersect

Architectural design exists at the confluence of creativity and data, an intellectual space that presents hard problems to solve. What may be the best path to a high performing building may fall completely flat in the realm of inspiration. The inverse is also true — what may be an incredible feat of creative potential in form may completely lack necessary function. So how do we successfully reconcile the age old question of form and function to create beautiful, uplifting spaces that also perform across a range of metrics that benefit occupant and planet? Enter environmental design.

Building Enclosure, Architectural Design, High Performance Homes, Environmental DesignPositive EnergyJanuary 15, 2021Environmental Design, Architectural Design, Thermal Performance, Daylight Autonomy, Solar Insolation, Window Selection, Building Performance

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