Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time: 4:00-7:00pm
AIA Credits: 3 AIA HSW Phius
Venue: Gardiner, NY (private location, registered attendees will receive prior to event)

Join River Architects and Phius Alliance NY for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a Phius-certified passive house project in Gardiner, NY, led by River Architects Principal, James Hartford. This high-performance residence demonstrates how climate-specific building science, environmental responsibility, and architectural design are integrated into a cohesive, site-responsive solution.

James will guide attendees through the home, connecting key Passive House performance metrics—such as heating and cooling demand, airtightness, and source energy use—to the design and construction strategies implemented on the project. From superinsulated assemblies and continuous air barriers to all-electric mechanical systems and material selection, the tour will highlight both technical execution and design intent. Some unusual features we will discuss in this home are the integration of an indoor Endless Pool swim spa, a wood-burning fireplace, a green roof, and some tricky double-height window installation details.

Special guest Tomas Kocis of Yaro Windows and Doors will provide a short presentation and sponsor the evening. Builder Andy Van Dam will also be on-site to discuss construction sequencing, coordination, and quality control, offering insight into the realities of delivering a high-performance building. Tony Lisanti of Integral Building + Design will discuss the challenges of testing a building with unconventional aspects, as well as essential testing at critical junctures in the construction phase. Cramer Silkworth of Baukraft Engineering will discuss the unique challenges that he was presented in designing the mechanical system with an indoor pool, and make-up air for the kitchen extraction hood.

Designed for architects, builders, and consultants, this tour provides a practical, field-based learning experience that bridges Passive House theory with real-world application, strengthening participants’ ability to design, evaluate, and deliver Phius-certified projects.

Presenter Bio

James Hartford, AIA, LEED AP, CPHC, CPHB
Partner, River Architects

James Hartford is the Creative and Technical Partner at River Architects, where he leads the firm’s building envelope and sustainability efforts, integrating Passive House, Net-Zero, and low-carbon strategies into high-performance design. His work spans single-family and multifamily Passive projects, deep-energy retrofits, and innovative Net-Zero developments, including the award-winning Seminary Hill Cidery, the world’s first Phius-certified organic cidery. A founder and past president of the Passive House Alliance US Hudson Valley Chapter, James has played a key role in advancing high-performance building education and training across New York State.

Tomas Kocis, Owner- Yaro Windows and Doors
Tomas will provide a short presentation and sponsor the evening.

Andrew VanDam, Builder- AVD Construction
Andy will be present to discuss construction methods and project execution.

Tony Lisanti, Integral Building + Design- Phius Rater

Tony will discuss the challenges of testing a building with unconventional aspects, as well as essential testing at critical junctures in the construction phase.

Cramer Silkworth, Baukraft Engineering

Cramer will discuss the unique challenges that he was presented in designing the mechanical system with an indoor pool, and make-up air for the kitchen extraction hood.

(Project team members from River Architects will also be available during the tour.)

Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

Cost: -Through Eventbrite
-$15 Phius Member
-$20 Non Member

Learning Objectives

By attending this event, participants will:

·      Understand key principles of Phius-certified Passive House design and construction

·      Learn about envelope strategies including insulation, air sealing, and thermal bridge mitigation

·      Explore mechanical system design and integration in a high-performance home

·      Gain insight into the collaboration between architect, builder, and consultants required to deliver a successful Passive House project