Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture has designed a revolutionary building for an industry that needs a revolution.

Most of the Passivhaus* designs we show are in cool climates, because that’s where they were invented, and it is a great way to keep heat in. But it’s also a great way to keep heat out. Also, the name Passivhaus makes one think that they are mostly houses, but there are more and more office buildings and now, even factories. Finally, most Passivhaus projects are new buildings, but it can also be applied to renovations.

© Ganidu Balasuriya via V2COMAnd then there is the Star Innovation Center near Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is all of the above, a Passivhaus industrial renovation in a very hot climate. No sweating in here, it is “a green economic catalyst and model for future sweatshop-free commercial buildings.” According to the press release on V2.com:

© Ganidu Balasuriya via V2COM

© Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture

Technically, it is pretty much like every other Passivhaus building in hot or cold climates: lots of insulation, careful sealing to make an airtight thermal envelope, minimal thermal breaks. Inside, a big dehumidification system and heat exchanger. The building is certified to the Enerphit standard for renovations, which is not quite as tough as the full Passivhaus drill. Their consultant, Steven Winter Associates, flew over with their equipment. The building failed the first blower test, but 19 leaks were found and sealed. Michael O’Donnell writes in a blog post:

© Stephen Winter Associates

This is why I have no love for those projects that are “designed to Passive House principles” but are not tested or certified. Passivhaus is a standard that requires compliance and testing. Here, they went to the expense of flying a team of consultants and all their equipment over to Sri Lanka and it probably will pay for itself through the energy savings.

The fashion industry needs a revolution, and this is part of it.

This is perhaps the real significance of the project. TreeHugger has been discussing the issue of sweatshop conditions forever. TreeHugger Katherine has written about the true cost of our cheap clothing:

A lot of people come to Passivhaus for the energy savings (and this building will cut consumption by 75 percent compared to conventional construction) but as we keep saying, the three most important things about Passivhaus are comfort, comfort and comfort. The most important thing about this building, as far as this TreeHugger is concerned, is what it does for the working conditions of the people inside. They should have a special label or even a T-Shirt: Made in a sweat-free Passivhaus factory - a bit niche, but I would buy it.

It is also a great demonstration that there is more to architecture than just making pretty buildings. “By promoting the project’s goals and inspiring the local building industry JPDA has sought to establish a clear path to both reducing global carbon emissions and putting an end to worker ‘sweatshop’ conditions.”

TreeHugger Katherine has written that a revolution within the fashion industry is desperately needed.

The scale of the problem is vast; the Star Innovation Center by Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture may be a model for the revolution, and a demonstration that Passivhaus can change peoples’ lives.

*Jordan Parnass uses Passive House, I use Passivhaus. I apologize for the inconsistency and explain why here.