Build Update 6: The Theory of Passive Houses & Larsen Trusses
By Graham Mann | Published: 10/31/2025
The theory behind my choices for wall and roof design, as well as the materials used.
This is part 6 of my Nova Scotia build series. Catch up on Build Update 5: Roof Trusses & Sheathing(/blog/build-update-5-roof-trusses-sheathing) if you missed it. --- What Is A Passive House? When I started this build research journey, I knew I wanted an energy efficient home. I wanted to minimize my environmental impact, but I also liked the idea of being self-sufficient: having a home that could power itself, or needed little power (often the two go together). Turns out, there are lots of people interested in the same thing. --- Continue to Build Update 7: Building the Larsen Trusses & Adding Siding →(/blog/build-update-7-building-the-larsen-trusses-adding-siding) Passive houses, which you can get certified for if you like, require very little energy to heat or cool. They achieve this by meeting a few specific criteria: Being very airtight Having efficient mechanical ventilation (ie. powered ventilation) with high-efficiency heat recovery Having a specifically low value of heating an...
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