For us, “high performance” isn’t a subjective label – it’s a set of non-negotiables that define how we build.
When people hear the phrase high performance home, it can mean different things depending on who you ask. In the building industry, it’s become a bit of a buzzword. At Bauen Build, we think it deserves more clarity. For us, “high performance” isn’t a subjective label – it’s a set of non-negotiables that define how we build.
High Quality vs. High Performance
It’s easy to confuse a high quality home with a high performance one. A high quality home can be filled with luxury finishes, custom millwork, or imported tile and still be drafty, expensive to heat and cool, or vulnerable to smoke and moisture. That’s “luxury”, but not high performance.
On the other hand, a high performance home is designed from the inside out. It prioritizes healthy indoor air, durability, and comfort. It’s about how your home feels and functions every day, not just how it looks on move-in day.
Think of it this way: investing in performance is like investing in safety features in your car. You may love the leather seats and sound system, but it’s the brakes, suspension, and airbags that protect your family every day. The same is true for your home.
“Most buyers think in one dimension: the more you spend, the more luxurious or “better” it is. We encourage people to think in two dimensions. Luxury is one, but performance, durability, and comfort are just as important.” – Matt Brill, Founder
At Bauen Build, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose. You can have both: a beautiful, architecturally-driven home that’s also quiet, resilient, and energy-efficient.
Our Standard: Beyond “Good Enough”
Every Bauen Build home—whether it’s Passive House certified or not—meets our own high performance criteria. These are the building blocks we execute on to achieve a home that guarantees healthy indoor air, durability, and year round comfort:
- Airtight Construction – We target 0.4 ACH50 or better on new homes (that’s over 7x tighter than code requires and 50% better than Passive House standards). Airtightness is what keeps conditioned air inside, noise and smoke outside, and makes every room feel consistent and comfortable.
- Fresh Air, Always – With an airtight home, ventilation is essential. We integrate balanced, filtered fresh air systems (ERVs or HRVs) that keep indoor air clean and healthy 24/7.
- High-Performance Windows – Windows are often the weakest point in a building envelope. We use durable, airtight, triple pane, well-operating windows that perform in Colorado’s climate—keeping heat, cold, and even wildfire smoke at bay. Not only do these windows perform better to keep you comfortable, but they feel bomber: smooth-operating, resilient, and unmistakably durable. We often describe it as feeling like closing the door to a submarine: solid, airtight, and built to protect what’s inside.
- Robust Wall Assemblies – We design walls with continuous insulation, a dedicated service cavity, and precisely detailed air and vapor barriers. The result is a resilient building shell that protects better, performs longer, and is built to last for generations.
These details might not be visible once the drywall goes up, but they’re what make the difference between a home that just meets code and one that truly performs.
Why It Matters
High performance construction means lower energy bills, quieter spaces, and peace of mind knowing your home is healthier, more durable, and more resilient, whether against wildfire smoke, extreme cold, or just the wear and tear of daily life.
Building for Comfort and Legacy
At Bauen Build, we’re building homes that stand the test of time, homes that balance architectural beauty with the science of comfort and durability.
Because when we talk about high performance, what we really mean is this: a home built to last, designed for living well today, and ready for what comes tomorrow.
