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Phius (Passive House Institute US) certification is a high-performance building certification that aims to achieve extremely low energy use through energy-efficient design, also known as the Passive House concept. Passive strategies such as a thermal-bridge-free enclosure, continuous insulation throughout the building enclosure, and high-performance glazing help the space maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness, no matter the climate zone or building type.

On September 23, 2026, Iowa Valley’s Habitat for Humanity held a dedication ceremony celebrating the completion of a newly built home in Iowa City. The solar-powered, single-level home was designed to prioritize accessibility for the family’s youngest son, who uses a wheelchair.

If you're looking to give your music education program space to grow, a new facility is a great place to start. A good building can give students a free-thinking space to make great art and offer them the resources to practice and grow their skills, while giving them educationally-focused areas to attend lectures and complete coursework. But with the variety of musical instruments, genres, and areas of study, how can you effectively distill all these needs into a single structure?