This week's blog offers a preview of the non-residential case studies that will be presented during the Phius Non-Res Summit 2025 and the project team members who will present them.
If we could break down every single non-residential Phius project during the two-day virtual Phius Non-Res Summit 2025 May 20-21 we would. But as you probably already know, we are all about efficiency, which ruled out such a marathon event.
Instead, we have opted to showcase two projects that represent the possibilities offered by Phius’ non-residential certification programs. Day one of the summit will be dedicated to these two case studies, offering unparalleled insight into their design, construction and Phius Certification.
In this blog, we’re going to introduce these projects as well as the trailblazing professionals who will guide attendees through them during the summit.
Home of the Prairie Trails Chipmunks, the Prairie Trails Early Learning Center in Mount Prospect, Illinois is designed to serve 300 pre-K and kindergarten students. The building was originally constructed in the 1960s and recently retrofitted to meet Phius+ 2018 Source Zero targets, earning Phius Certification in February of 2022.
The award-winning building uses no fossil fuels on site and used 67 percent less energy than a conventional building in its first year of operation. Additionally, it serves as a high-performance building showcase for the entire school district by offering interactive features that demonstrate the various qualities of a Phius passive building.
Tom Boeman served as the Phius Certified Consultant (CPHC®) on the Prairie Trails Early Learning Center project and has shepherded several other Phius projects to certification. He’s an experienced Phius professional who brings a hands-on, inventive approach to architecture rooted in performance and quality of life. His firm serves Chicagoland’s commercial and residential clients with a commitment to sustainability and thoughtful design.
Across the country in Mount Vernon, Washington, the Mount Vernon Library Commons project redefines the impact a library can have on a community. The multi-use building combines library services, community spaces, a commercial kitchen, public restrooms, and one of the largest public electric vehicle charging hubs in the country under one roof.
It has reduced energy use by 80 percent and features a 112kw PV array while serving as a hub for community activity and civic engagement. Mount Vernon Library Commons perfectly illustrates the impact Phius non-residential projects can have on people and the planet.
Attendees will hear from Julie Blazek and Julie Kriegh, two critical members of the Mount Vernon Library Commons project team. Julie Blazek served as the lead CPHC on the project while Julie Kriegh was the submitter, handling much of the coordination with the Phius certification team.
Julie Blazek is known for her strategic, context-driven design that uplifts communities. A CPHC and LEED AP, Julie is well-versed in the realm of high-performance non-residential construction. Her work has garnered national recognition, including from the National Association of Home Builders.
Julie Kriegh aims to bring her clients’ project goals to fruition sustainably through the deployment of high-performance construction principles coupled with exceptional craft and attention to detail. Julie and the award-winning KRIEGH ARCHITECTURE STUDIOS’ team believe that thoughtful design of the physical environment can positively reinforce an energy efficient and sustainable relationship between people and that environment – a belief that shines through in the Mount Vernon Library Commons project.
The Prairie Trails Early Learning Center and Mount Vernon Library Commons projects offer replicable blueprints for what the future of non-residential Phius buildings can look like. Whether it’s renovating a public school or building a civic anchor from the ground up, these projects show how architects, builders and developers can deliver high-performance spaces that support education, equity, and community resilience.
Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into these groundbreaking projects and explore all that Phius certification for non-residential projects has to offer. Join us May 20-21!