designPH was developed to simplify the design process for achieving the Passive House standard. The designPH plug-in for SketchUp provides a 3D modelling interface that works together with the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP). Users can create a building model, assign building components, and select a location. A simplified annual energy calculation provides a quick test of the design. Once a compliant design is achieved, key building characteristics can be exported for integration into PHPP.

In this two-day masterclass , participants will learn how to use designPH for the design and certification of Passive House buildings. Participants will be guided step by step through the building design process, from building model creation to exporting to PHPP. A major focus will be on iterative design to achieve the Passive House criteria. A case study will provide participants with practical experience in completing and documenting a designPH model for building certification.

Prerequisites/required knowledge and equipment/software

• Laptop with PHPP 9, Google Sketchup 8, designPH v1.1 or higher, and MS Excel (or equivalent), all preloaded.
• PHPP and designPH can be purchased on our website here; please allow at least one week for processing and shipping.