explains. “They see everything inside this house, everything that makes this house high performance. They see all of that.” The group tours the home for an hour or so, then Brian gives a 40-minute presentation on passive houses, followed by a Q&A session. Refreshments are also served. Brian says these events, usually draw 60-80 people. “Then, 6-8 months after the client moves in, we open that house up again on a Saturday morning, so that people can see what it was to what it is now,” Brian says. “People get a double perspective of the house. They get to see the inner workings and they get to see the finished beauty of the home as well.” Brian considers the first home the company built – a beach house in North Beach – one of his favorite projects. His says this, and his other top picks, offered a challenge, something he finds rewarding. “If you’re challenged, the reward is always better.” One of the homes features a lift, three different elevations, and an underground garage. “With a passive house anything built into the ground is quite challenging,” Brian explains. At the core of the organization is the belief that the company must make a positive contribution to the community, both socially and environmentally. That guiding principle is evident in ISMART’s work with the My Home initiative that provides housing to individuals facing homelessness. Specially, the company has worked on an 18home project for women that was completed earlier this year by providing the consultation, inspection, testing, and detailing. ISMART plans to continue with My Home DECEMBER 2023
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