PITTSBURGH, PA / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / A quiet block in the borough of Wilkinsburg now has a milestone architectural distinction, courtesy of Studio St. Germain: it is the site of the Wilkinsburg Residence, the first single-family residence in Pennsylvania to earn a Passive House EnerPHit certification.
Created by the Passive House Institute specifically for existing structures, the EnerPHit standard prioritizes energy efficiency, thermal insulation, improved air quality, and resilient construction.
For Sewickley-based Studio St. Germain, which specializes in high-performance design and healthy architecture, the Wilkinsburg Residence represents a unique blending of sustainability and wellness. "We are proud to have designed the first single-family residence in Pennsylvania to earn an EnerPHit certification," said Nathan St. Germain, Principal and Founder of Studio St. Germain. "A passive house is not only energy efficient and sustainable, but it also has a positive effect on its occupants."
According to the Passive House Database, which tracks passive house construction across the world, the Wilkinsburg Residence is only the fifth EnerPHit-certified single-family residence in the entire United States, underscoring how difficult such a distinction is to obtain.
Originally a cramped single-story one-bedroom, the 700-square-foot Wilkinsburg Residence has been transformed into a stylish example of sustainable, healthy architecture. Among its key features are an advanced HVAC system for indoor air quality and all-electric utilities, which bypass the use of fossil fuels. Because it features an energy recovery ventilator (ERV), the system continuously exchanges stale indoor air for filtered fresh air. This active circulation dilutes pollutants, strips out airborne allergens, and manages humidity levels to create an environment where mold cannot thrive.
Once a specialized concept in Europe, passive houses are becoming more popular in America, where homeowners are beginning to realize the value of decreasing energy consumption and constructing with quality materials. While upfront costs for materials and labor skyrocket throughout the construction industry, a Passive House offers significant savings over its lifecycle.
As the first single-family residence to achieve an EnerPHit certification, the Wilkinsburg Residence suggests a potential new standard for homes across Pennsylvania in the future, a standard based on improving the day-to-day lives of its occupants.
About Studio St. Germain
Studio St. Germain is an award-winning architectural firm specializing in high-performance building design and services for commercial and residential applications. Emphasizing sustainable building principles, they offer a wide range of options for clients who value energy efficiency and occupant health as much as beautiful design through their signature High Performance Program. Studio St. Germain is located in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. More information is available at www.studiostgermain.com.
Contact:
Nathan St. Germain
412-980-6402
SOURCE: Studio St.Germain
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