Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This course will begin with a description of the science behind a Trombe Wall along with its benefits and limitations. Next, we will discuss building orientation and design considerations for integrating a Trombe Wall system into the building's energy and performance goals. Following design, we will discuss the process for planning and building a Trombe Wall. The lesson will be centered on a Trombe Wall that was designed and built for a custom home in Ann Arbor, Michigan that achieved (PHIUS) Passive House Certification and the 2019 Certified Green Home Award from the West Michigan Chapter of the USGBC.
The goal for this event is to educate teachers, students, architects and builders about the value and methods for building a Trombe Wall and to serve as a resource for people looking for more information about the subject.
When we embarked on this idea to integrate a Trombe Wall into custom home seeking passive certification I was surprised to see that there was very little information available online. I was also surprised that there was only another builder in south Michigan that had built a Trombe Wall and that they had to build it twice because the first attempt failed. Using the information I gathered from that builder, we were able to identify the challenges they faced and adapt our process to have less risk for failure and better results. I am grateful there are builders out there that are bold enough to take on new challenges like this and more grateful that they are willing to share information about mistakes and lessons learned. This collaborative approach allows us to work towards optimization and efficiency which leads to successful outcomes and happy clients.
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)**
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• GHI Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Materials, Place
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier
• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
**State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/trombe-wall-case-study-design-construction-method-results
Speaker: Mike Mahon, Owner, Builder.
Adaptive Building Solutions, LLC is an Ann Arbor, Michigan based Sustainable Green Building and Design company founded in 2006. Husband and wife team, Mike and Andrea Mahon, specialize in high performance, sustainable green building and design. Our corporate philosophy is deeply rooted in the fundamental concepts of environmental awareness and ecological preservation. "Sustainability is a necessity now" says owner Mike Mahon. We have to think about carbon footprint reduction, energy efficiency and high quality materials in the building process, and we continue to integrate tested and proven building science into all of our projects. Adaptive Building Solutions is noted for healthy, luxurious, high quality craftsmanship. Every style of home can be wrapped in an air tight energy efficient building envelope. Today, many Americans are re-thinking the way homes should be built and lived in. We started Adaptive Building Solutions to be part of the “solution” rather than part of the “problem”. Sustainable green building technology is changing the direction of the entire building industry and we make it our job to understand what it all means. The bottom line is finding balance in the world.
Lessons Learned
1. Understand that the integration of a Trombe Wall can significantly improve indoor health by enhancing natural light and temperature regulation within a home.
2. Analyze the building process of a Trombe Wall to ensure safety by incorporating lessons learned from previous construction challenges faced by others in the field.
3. Introduce collaborative practices among builders and architects to promote the welfare of the community by sharing knowledge and resources to optimize sustainable building methods.
4. Articulate the importance of passive design strategies, like the Trombe Wall, in achieving energy efficiency goals that contribute to the long-term welfare of both residents and the environment.
This course will begin with a description of the science behind a Trombe Wall along with its benefits and limitations. Next, we will discuss building orientation and design considerations for integrating a Trombe Wall system into the building's energy and performance goals. Following design, we will discuss the process for planning and building a Trombe Wall. The lesson will be centered on a Trombe Wall that was designed and built for a custom home in Ann Arbor, Michigan that achieved (PHIUS) Passive House Certification and the 2019 Certified Green Home Award from the West Michigan Chapter of the USGBC.
The goal for this event is to educate teachers, students, architects and builders about the value and methods for building a Trombe Wall and to serve as a resource for people looking for more information about the subject.
When we embarked on this idea to integrate a Trombe Wall into custom home seeking passive certification I was surprised to see that there was very little information available online. I was also surprised that there was only another builder in south Michigan that had built a Trombe Wall and that they had to build it twice because the first attempt failed. Using the information I gathered from that builder, we were able to identify the challenges they faced and adapt our process to have less risk for failure and better results. I am grateful there are builders out there that are bold enough to take on new challenges like this and more grateful that they are willing to share information about mistakes and lessons learned. This collaborative approach allows us to work towards optimization and efficiency which leads to successful outcomes and happy clients.
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)**
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• GHI Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Materials, Place
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier
• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
**State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/trombe-wall-case-study-design-construction-method-results
Speaker: Mike Mahon, Owner, Builder.
Adaptive Building Solutions, LLC is an Ann Arbor, Michigan based Sustainable Green Building and Design company founded in 2006. Husband and wife team, Mike and Andrea Mahon, specialize in high performance, sustainable green building and design. Our corporate philosophy is deeply rooted in the fundamental concepts of environmental awareness and ecological preservation. "Sustainability is a necessity now" says owner Mike Mahon. We have to think about carbon footprint reduction, energy efficiency and high quality materials in the building process, and we continue to integrate tested and proven building science into all of our projects. Adaptive Building Solutions is noted for healthy, luxurious, high quality craftsmanship. Every style of home can be wrapped in an air tight energy efficient building envelope. Today, many Americans are re-thinking the way homes should be built and lived in. We started Adaptive Building Solutions to be part of the “solution” rather than part of the “problem”. Sustainable green building technology is changing the direction of the entire building industry and we make it our job to understand what it all means. The bottom line is finding balance in the world.
Lessons Learned
1. Understand that the integration of a Trombe Wall can significantly improve indoor health by enhancing natural light and temperature regulation within a home.
2. Analyze the building process of a Trombe Wall to ensure safety by incorporating lessons learned from previous construction challenges faced by others in the field.
3. Introduce collaborative practices among builders and architects to promote the welfare of the community by sharing knowledge and resources to optimize sustainable building methods.
4. Articulate the importance of passive design strategies, like the Trombe Wall, in achieving energy efficiency goals that contribute to the long-term welfare of both residents and the environment.
