Q+A with Kristina Held, Charlotte's First Passive House-Certified Architect
Her commitment to the craft is evident the first time you meet Kristina Held, principal and partner at Charlotte, NC firm Insight Architects. A leader in Charlotte’s sustainable and environmentally friendly architecture scene, Kristina works with clients across the state to create beautiful and environmentally conscious homes and commercial properties.
Kristina is Charlotte’s first and only Passive House-certified architect. In addition to her Passive House certification, Kristina is also LEED AD B+C certified. These internationally recognized energy efficiency standards signal her considered approach to sustainable architecture and design.
Born in Germany and trained as an architect in Europe, Kristina also brings an unique perspective to architecture and building in the American Southeast.
In this interview, we spoke with Kristina about why she loves architecture, the unique approach to environmentally conscious building in the US, and key things that homeowners and builders should consider when creating a property in relationship to its environment.
What attracted you to architecture as a practice?
As a child, one of my first experiences with architecture was watching my father draw. He was an artist and structural engineer. We had an old house in Montenegro, and it was being renovated all the time. I loved watching him sketch the plans, and thought “that’s what I want to do.”
I always loved math and art. As I grew up, I thought architecture was something creative I could do, while not having to give math up completely.
I still enjoy being an architect today. Architecture never gets boring, because you’re working on all different kinds of projects and with all kinds of people and it is meaningful work.
What are your key goals or values as an architect?
The core value for me is to improve the quality of life for the people who will be using the space, no matter what we are creating, whether it’s large or small, commercial or residential.
It’s amazing how a structure takes shape differently depending on the philosophy.
“Architecture to me is kind of a responsibility, for the people, for the community, and of course, for the environment.”
Each building has a presence that will shape the way a person exists in the space. Think of a dungeon that’s dark and damp. Now imagine a bright room right over that, with a beautiful glass sliding door. Architecture really can make you feel differently; that’s really the power of architecture.
Architecture to me is kind of a responsibility, for the people, for the community, and of course, for the environment.
I’ve worked on a variety of places, and I’m always trying to create them so that people can live, work, and learn to their greatest potential.
For example, does the school have enough daylight? Are there good social spaces in the office or retail facility? We’re past the grey cubicle, in school and in work. Today, we’re trying to create spaces that allow people to move around more, which is beneficial because it relieves tiredness and gets oxygen into the brain.
It all has to do with how you want people to feel in the building, and ultimately, you want them to feel good.
It’s clear that sustainable design is a passion of yours. What do you wish more people knew about the practice?
I think that, when people think about sustainable design or architecture, they think of solar panels and high-tech developments.
For me, sustainable architecture is a more holistic approach. I think about the client’s needs, the context of the building, the actual structure, aesthetics, other factors that shape the building, and of course, the budget. Sustainable architecture is not about a form, but a process.
A building can be sustainable in so many ways. If you want to have an energy efficient building, you can create a burrow in the ground, but that’s not very sustainable, is it?
There is a lot to sustain, not only the environment and energy, but also us as humans, and the community we build.
How do you consider architecture’s role in achieving environmental sustainability?
Here is an example of a really common question we might be asked as architects: do you want to protect the natural grade of the site? Do you want to protect the trees?
I believe that these types of common questions should be considered as architecture, not just as sustainable design.
Eisenring Residence, a private residence near Asheville, NC designed with the Passive House principles in mind.
You were the first Passive House-certified architect in Charlotte. Can you tell a little bit more about what Passive House is, and why you decided to pursue this certification?
Passive House is a building standard created in Central Europe that is focused on energy efficiency, comfort, and affordability. It’s an approach to building that considers the local environment in addition to the context of the building. A Passive House in New York will look very different than the one in Nairobi.
I pursued this certification in part because I’m familiar with that way of thinking. Passive House is the standard building code in Germany, the Netherlands, and other places in Europe.
I went to the School of Architecture in Belgrade, Serbia. When we studied construction, the Passive House approach was just how we designed. I continued my studies in Germany, and continued learning about it there.
I went to a Passive House conference here in the US and really jived with the people there. They were doing the certification because they really understood how it works, and why it matters.
What makes Passive House different than other energy certifications?
Passive House is more sensitive, more precise, and more accurate than other energy modeling. Ultimately, Passive House helps the building to be built better.
As an architect, I want to think technically and aesthetically about how a building fits naturally into the environment. Passive House achieves that because it considers how a building will fit in different climate zones.
In addition, all designs must be peer-reviewed to be considered Passive House. It’s not just points on paper, you really have to see if your work will meet the standard and it has to be accepted by other Passive House-certified professionals. If it doesn’t, your design won’t pass and you’ll have to fix it.
Is the Passive House approach popular in the US?
Passive House is happening more in the North than it is in the South. For example, the new dormitories at Cornell University in New York City are Passive House-certified.
For a long time, even before I was certified, no one would really listen to me about the value of the Passive House approach. Now we have software that proves the energy efficiency, so I can show that I was actually right!
I think I’m pursuing it here in the South because I’m just hopeful it will take off soon.
What part of a home or building causes the most energy waste? How can property owners address that?
The most commonly known area of energy leakage is the roof, because the air wants to escape through the roof.
For energy efficiency, you really need basically a blanket of insulation around the house. Think about the seams of the blanket; all of the seams of the home need our attention for energy efficiency.
The intersection between the slab, the walls, the roof, the windows, doors, these are all important for energy efficiency. The connections between these building elements are important because they have the potential for thermal and air leakage - so-called thermal bridging.
Sustainability and environmental responsibility are hot topics globally. Are you seeing that reflected in Charlotte and in North Carolina?
In some ways yes, the movement toward sustainable architecture is there, but in others, not really.
Charlotte has made a lot of good progress on public transport, walkability, open space, and tree preservation. The city is trying to push the same approach for architecture. They recently came out with a unified ordinance to support open space, and encourage more density along public transportation. There are bonus points for environmentally friendly building, but frankly, they’re minimal.
“Good architecture, and that includes sustainable architecture, will draw people to a city. A city that’s built well will bring in more revenue, I firmly believe that.”
The biggest challenge with sustainable architecture in Charlotte right now is the multi-family housing projects that are springing up everywhere. There are 50-60 people moving her per day, on average, so we do need housing for them.
However, I see that those buildings may last 15-20 years before they start to fall apart. This approach to architecture will shape our city, because soon it will have to be repaired or replaced. I see this is a problem for sustainability, and a challenge for the future.
The character of a city comes from having layer upon layer of history that serves as a timeline for the development and journey that city went through. If we always build new, that depth of character is, in my opinion, difficult to preserve.
The other challenge I see is more related to the sustainability. Most or all of the new construction is designed for millennials or very wealthy people. There is little affordable housing in the proximity of public transportation, like the Light Rail, for a family of four. That does impact sustainability. Maybe some families would like to be close to the action.
Good architecture, and that includes sustainable architecture, will draw people to a city. A city that’s built well will bring in more revenue, I firmly believe that.
How is environmentally conscious, energy efficient architecture different in the Southeast versus other regions of the US?
Here in the Southeast, we have hot humid to mixed humid climates, like Charlotte. That means that we have fairly cold winters, but humid and hot summers.
Since we have to deal with humidity, the AC is a must. The moisture that comes in can impact the building and damage it. That said, the dominant load for energy is the cooling load.
In the Southeast, we have to think about the glazing of the windows, the orientation and shading of the house, and other factors that may impact the solar heat gain.
Pester USA headquarter, a 22,000 SF office and manufacturing facility in Huntersville, NC on 9.6 acres, designed using the Passive House principles.
What should a builder or homeowner consider when trying to build or renovate a property to meet Passive House standards?
First, seek the advice of an architect to examine the existing structure and work on the new plans. Building is very complicated, and it’s super difficult to tackle if you haven’t done it. It’s really valuable to talk with someone.
A homeowner should consult both the architect and the builder. Together, these three parties can work together to create a triangle of trust - this will really help everyone to work together better.
It’s possible to meet the Passive House standards by using professionals, such as the architect and contractor to advise and create an energy efficient home within your budget.
Are there challenges with sourcing building products and materials for Passive House standards?
Not really. We can meet the Passive House standards just by using what we can find at the local building supply store, although there are of course much better materials.
For example, there are different kinds of membranes that will help the home breathe both ways, and different window tapes that are really good for air sealing. These types of things are mostly imported though, because, to my knowledge, there is no one in the US who is making them.
The real challenge isn’t with sourcing but with installation. It’s important that the contractors are able to install these products correctly. It doesn’t make sense at all if they are not installed properly.
Where do you see the future of “green” building going in the next few years? The next decade?
What I see now in sustainable architecture via social media and magazines are really two branches:
Very high-tech, even AI way to designing and building.
Building shelter for people displaced by natural and political disasters.
The high-tech branch uses kinetic facades, hanging gardens, extreme structures, all-in-all cutting edge building design. Technology wants to develop and experiment, and that is great to see. These things may be needed in the future, but for now, they are very expensive and not able to be appreciated by everyone.
The other way, the way that’s about building shelter, is focused on structures and things that ordinary people can use and that can save lives in a crisis situation. How do we stay resilient and safe in the eye of climate change? What will we do in the midst of strong winds, rains, fires? How can we protect refugees?
These solutions are not cookie-cutter. They’re pretty funky! I wonder if people will ever really live in bubbles and hexagons? They don’t look like the image of a house that is so deeply ingrained into our minds. Maybe we would, if they help us survive.
The truth is, I think we need both approaches.
Is there anything you wish more people knew about architecture, Passive House, or anything else we’ve covered today?
When I say that I’m an architect, many people think that I just draw. They don’t know that we have to come up with the idea, the design, build, and help complete the building. We create, produce drawings, coordinate all the engineering on a job, and manage client and other stakeholder’s expectations. When a problem arises, the first call is typically made to the architect.
The other group of people thinks that we just do permitting and engineering. They don’t know that we are highly attuned creative creatures that need design to survive.
This is the great challenge of architecture. We have to design for beauty and for function. At the end of the day, the building has to work and make you feel happy.
“I would like to get people to appreciate architecture and the architecture in their cities, not only when they travel, and to see that architecture isn’t just utilitarian. It’s a part of our culture, and it always has been.”
About Bauwerk Building Solutions
Bauwerk is a multinational business that connects US clients to an extensive network of European manufacturers of windows, doors, curtain wall systems, and more. We specialize in innovative and refined building products of the highest quality. Our offices are located in Charlotte, NC and Berlin, Germany.