Would love to hear your thoughts and ideas of what you think is the BEST LOW COST methods and construction materials for wall and roof assembles in order to achieve a true Passive Home in a Hot & Humid climate like the Southeastern United States.

Post your Ideas, links, and videos.

Very interesting concept...

http://www.triplepundit.com/2011/07...se-design/
http://vimeo.com/20839864

They dont go into methods other than the structural framing is built around an industrial pallet racking system.

Utilizing typical common framing practices here in the United States I will assume this is the cheapest route possible for Walls.



Now the tricky part ..... What about the attic ceiling or Roof?

Not sure what your definition of “passive” is? If it is “true passive”, i.e., no mechanical or electrical assistance allowed, I don’t think you can get there in a hot and humid climate. AC is usually preferred/required in hot and humid climates. If your “passive” includes AC powered by PV, then you can certainly get there, but only a ROI analysis will tell you if should go there. True passive (both heating and cooling) is already very successfully accomplished in non-humid climates having diurnal temp swings.

Naturally here in the south if you want to stay comfortable you have 2 options.

1. Live in a Cave
2. Heat pump for space conditioning

Yes, passive home here in the south would have a bit different setup than northern passive homes. Shading during the summer months would be a more important design aspect for here in the south. So a heat pump for air conditioning would be necessary.