Hillsdale at Barry Farm Redevelopment

Design Review and Constructability

Our team conducted detailed reviews of the architectural drawings at key milestones to ensure compliance with the Phius+ 2021 Core standard and co-requisite programs. We also provided constructability feedback—identifying details that were difficult or costly to build—and proposed alternatives that maintained performance while improving feasibility.

Integrated Design Process

SWA helped facilitate the Integrated Design Process (IDP), coordinating with the architect, MEP engineers, and contractors to align design decisions with Passive House requirements. This helped ensure that energy performance goals were integrated into the project from the outset.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Our approach to meeting Passive House is to identify cost-effective strategies without compromising energy performance. For example, our analysis found high-performance double-pane windows (U-0.24 Btu/hr.ft2.F or better) could successfully meet requirements, rather than more costly triple-pane windows.

System Sizing and Optimization

Our team reviewed mechanical system sizing to avoid oversizing, which is a common issue in high-performance buildings. We confirmed that the envelope performance allowed for a smaller, more efficient variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system, which will reduce both capital and operating costs.

Code Compliance and Certification Coordination

Phius certification serves as an alternative compliance pathway for DC’s energy and green building codes. In addition to our role as CPHC and Phius+ Verifier, we are also serving as the DC Energy Code Commissioning Agent and HERS Rater. This allows us to streamline compliance across multiple programs, including ENERGY STAR, Indoor AirPlus, Zero Energy Ready Homes, and Enterprise Green Communities—all of which are required for this project.

Affordable Housing and Funding Alignment

Hillsdale includes 100% affordable housing with a mix of income levels. Our team is tracking the project’s low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) and DC Green Building Act requirements to ensure all necessary green building certifications are in place to meet funding and permitting requirements.