Phius Announces Winners of 2026 Passive Projects Design Competition

Phius, a non-profit organization focused on setting standards for passive building, has revealed the winners of its 2026 Passive Projects Design Competition. The competition recognizes leading examples of Phius Certified passive buildings globally, with winners announced at PhiusCon 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

This year's winning projects demonstrate the growing application of passive building principles across diverse sectors, including affordable housing, multifamily residences, commercial spaces, and industrial facilities. The recognized projects highlight achievements in energy efficiency, occupant health, resilience, and long-term affordability.

Projects were evaluated by a jury based on performance against the Phius Certified standard, project complexity, climate and site challenges, cost-effectiveness, design quality, craftsmanship, and health considerations, including the use of non-toxic materials. Phius standards are climate-specific, aiming for cost-optimized, zero-carbon-ready buildings.

Notable among the winners is The Faircliff in Washington D.C., which received both the Affordable Housing and Best Overall Project awards, showcasing high-performance strategies integrated into affordable housing. GO Logic's Shop and Office in Belfast, Maine, was recognized for Industrial Excellence, demonstrating passive building in commercial and workplace environments.

Phius trains professionals and certifies buildings as part of its mission to mainstream high-performance passive construction and decarbonize the built environment.