Completed in 2016, this net zero home in Fairfax, Virginia was designed using passive house principles to achieve exceptional energy efficiency and building envelope performance. While not PHIUS certified, the project incorporated many of the same design strategies, including continuous insulation and reduced thermal bridging.

Robert A. Aird, Inc. was contracted to install the Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) on the building exterior, along with below-grade waterproofing components. The EIFS assembly provides a continuous insulation layer that enhances thermal performance, improves airtightness, and supports long-term moisture management.

The home was designed to operate with minimal energy consumption and is planned to be supported by a 20 kW solar array, allowing it to offset energy usage for both the residence and an electric vehicle.

EIFS was selected for its ability to deliver a durable, energy-efficient exterior cladding system that aligns with the performance goals of net zero and passive house construction.

This project demonstrates Aird’s experience working on high-performance residential projects, including applications where building envelope efficiency, insulation continuity, and moisture control are critical to achieving long-term energy performance goals.