Research and Creative Work

In the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado Denver, students and faculty engage directly with our vibrant city, dynamic community, and magnificent landscape by working on real projects that make a real difference. 

The Oglala Passive House / The Bio Truss

Front facade
Principal Researchers: Ben Jaworski Faculty Advisor: Julee Herdt

Passive strategies such as stone floors that act as heat sinks, earth tubes for natural air conditioning, and a solar chimney to exhaust the hot summer air are the main drivers for heating and cooling. Water is harvested from the roof and drains directly into a garden that can provide homegrown food.

The Bio-Truss SIP can be used as a floor, wall, or roof panel. Standard panel dimensions are 4’x8’. Warren trusses with verticals made of Bio-board provide the main supporting structure. The insulation is sheep wool and has an R-value of 3.5 per inch. 4’x8’ Bio-board sheets sandwich both faces of the panel.

Materials for passive house

Front facade of passive house

Back facade passive house

Ben Jaworski presents final project for passive house design

College of Architecture and Planning

CU Denver

CU Denver Building

1250 14th Street

2000

Denver, CO 80202


303-315-1000

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