Positive Energy

Big news from Positive Energy. After years of research, pilot testing, and a frankly concerning number of seating prototypes, we’re proud to announce the launch of our Carbon-Negative Office Chair Program. Designed to passively capture atmospheric carbon during project meetings, design reviews, and extended interdisciplinary coordination, these next-generation chairs represent a major leap forward in sustainable workplace seating. Early testing suggests they perform especially well when exposed to recurring phrases like “let’s take that offline,” “just to level set,” and “can everyone see my screen.” The system converts conversational heat, micro-fidget motion, and mild presentation anxiety into a proprietary sequestration process we’re calling Sit Capture™. In controlled settings, a single 45-minute meeting offset the emissions equivalent of 1.7 desktop monitors, 3.2 follow-up clarifications, and one medium-strength sigh. To support anticipated demand, full-scale production is now underway with a local factory partner specializing in vegan furniture. Sales begin Q3 2026. Healthy People, Healthy Planet, now with better lumbar support.

Crazy good HVAC design and installation. Camp Kraft project by @fkarchitects and @rauserconstruction and @bldgscienceatx

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy and Kristof Irwin chat with Helena van Vliet about biophilic design and its impact on human wellbeing. Helena van Vliet Dipl.-Ing. AIA is an internationally recognized expert in Biophilic Design. She is a registered Architect, Consultant, Researcher, Educator, and Speaker focusing on the direct connections between human and bio-habitat resilience in built environments. Check out the episode here: https://ow.ly/mf2r50Y0al1

Andy sat down with the Building Science Podcast to chat about why windows matter—from light and views to energy performance and heat loss. He gets into U-factor, SHGC, and the differences between US and European designs. Check out the episode! Thanks to Kristof and the crew @bldgscienceatx for putting out such a great podcast for our community!! Link in Bio

This November, a group of like-minded individuals in architecture, engineering, and construction are coming together to discuss the importance of sustainability in the AEC industries. Over the decades, sustainability has become an increasingly complex standard to strive for. As a thought leader in sustainability in Austin, this panel will include our own Oren Mitzer. Join us for a discussion on what sustainability can mean for our community now and in the future. Click the link in our story to reserve your spot for this event. November 18th from 5:30 - 7:30 Location: @nomadicbeerworks @aiaaustin @larsstanleystudio @crosscabin @forgexcraft @bldgscienceatx • #BarleyPfeiffer #Architects #SustainableDesign #SustainabilityMatters #Design #Construction #Engineering #AEC #SustainableDesigner #ClimateAwareness #AustinCommunity #DesignVision #PassiveDesign

Natural light, soft textures, and quiet moments of retreat.
  A tranquil bathroom at West 7th Passive connects daily living with the landscape beyond.   Photography @likeness_studio   #West7thPassive #Residential #ArchitectAtx #DesignAtx #TexasArchitect #EverForward #SustainableDesign #HealthyHome #ForgeCraft

A mechanical room that sets the bar high — installed by @balancepointbuild in Rainier, WA! This 4-bedroom, 6-bathroom, 8,469 sqft home features a sophisticated 4-pipe hydronic system, designed by @bldgscienceatx and managed seamlessly via Messana Controls. At the core is one mBox hydronic controller paired with three mZone12 zoning modules, orchestrating heating and cooling across 14 independent zones. Two geothermal heat pumps generate heated and chilled water, which is stored in separate buffer tanks to enable simultaneous heating and cooling in different areas of the home. That water is then distributed to 16 Jaga Briza 22 hydronic fan coil units, delivering both heating and cooling as needed across the zones. Messana Controls also manages indoor air quality through an ERV unit, as well as humidification and dehumidification systems, ensuring complete indoor comfort year-round. Key components of this system include: - @waterfurnacegeothermal geothermal heat pumps - @jaganorthamerica FCUs - @belimo valves - @webstone.nibco valves - @grundfosinstallers_us_ca pumps - @amtrolinc expansion tanks - @calefactio_solutions system feeder - @zehnderamerica ERV - @aprilaireco dehumidifier - @condairusaca humidifier #mechanicalroom #radiantceiling #radiantheat #radiantcooling #hydronics #hydronicheating #heatpump #boiler #hvac #plumbing #indoorairquality #homecomfort #passivehouse #messana #raymagic #homebuilder #builder #climatecontrol

Behind the walls of West 7th Passive lies a powerhouse of performance ⚡️
  This mechanical room, designed by @bldgscienceatx and installed by @newresultsac , is the hidden engine that makes Passive House design possible, ensuring comfort, health, and efficiency for years to come.   #PassiveHouse #SustainableDesign #SustainableBuilding #IndoorAirQuality #EnergyEfficiency #AustinArchitecture #West7thPassive #ForgeCraft #HealthyHome

Ever wonder what it takes to get a skylight built? ☀️✨   From sketch to shop drawings, energy models to construction photos—every detail has a role in shaping the final design. The process may be technical, but the result is simple: natural light that enhances daily life, supports wellness, and connects us to the rhythms of nature. Also that “boom” is the hardest part! Full credit to @formtofinish for bringing this @passivehouseinstituteus project to life. Stay tuned for some breakdowns on the construction steps and trades who made it happen.

✨ A closer look at how skylights shape the interiors of W 7th Passive - certified with @passivehouseinstituteus   We wanted to give y’all a sense of how these openings sit within their spaces and the overall project. For optimal daylighting, the adjacent planes are at 45° to the plane of the glass, but each decision here is a balance with the roof pitch and the needs of the rooms below.   By flaring out and brightening the surrounding surfaces, light is reflected deeper into the home, enhancing its effect. Aim for 60% or higher reflectance. A modest @veluxusa skylight has a minimal impact on the envelope but brings enormous benefits to the quality of light and a powerful sense of connection to the world beyond the walls.   ✨ Slide 1: W 7th Cottage ✨ Slide 2: W 7th Unit A ✨ Slide 3: W 7th Unit B

At Positive Energy, the work we do is of course shaped by drawings, models, and code. But it’s also shaped by bigger ideas. Many of the best ideas are waiting to be outed just inside these curious little artifacts we call books. There is proper magic in books. You can find yourself reading about something that may not seem like it maps onto your day-to-day experience, but the ideas you encounter in those pages can pull together disparate aspects of your experience in profound ways. Books can illuminate paths you could not otherwise see. Books can change your life and alter your mind. (Reading also makes you a better writer) That’s why we’re sharing what our team is reading. Every page opens a new lens on design, culture, science, philosophy, economics, and humanity. Those perspectives ripple into the buildings we help create. Reading reminds us to slow down, to listen, and to keep learning. Because if you think you’ve learned it all, you’ve already lost the plot. In an industry obsessed with deadlines and deliverables, books remind us that knowledge is both timeless and portable. They connect us across generations, disciplines, and even continents. And in a small MEP firm like ours, that breadth of inspiration makes all the difference. So here’s to reading, not just as a hobby, but as a vital part of how we grow, think, and practice our craft and profession. Stay sharp, friends.

Positive Energy is currently seeking a Senior MEP Systems Engineer to support projects in our residential MEP design department. Positive Energy is a unique firm, dedicated to transforming the way buildings are designed. Everything we do is rooted in progressive engineering principles to support human thriving. As a small business, our success depends on every single employee’s contributions. This position offers the opportunity to do cutting edge work for a growing company in a strong market position with an eye on the future. If you’re someone who shares our passion for building science, progressive engineering and industry transformation, please get in touch.