PASSIVE HOUSE DOOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WORKSHOP | Baltimore City, Md

Opening a Pathway to Opportunity

The Challenge: 

Our work on the transformative Carver House project began with a single, crucial element: the front door. The challenge was twofold. First, to create a new entry for 2212 Presstman St. that would meet the rigorous performance standards of a Passive House. Second, and more importantly, to transform this complex task into a hands-on, educational journey for a group of Baltimore City High School students.

The FADE Approach: 

This workshop perfectly embodies our FADE philosophy. The entire project was structured as a living classroom at the Open Works maker space. We guided students through the full process, from Architectural design in Fusion360 to hands-on Fabrication. They learned to operate 3-axis CNC mills for precision cutting and then honed their skills in traditional, hand-crafted joinery to assemble the reclaimed wood frame. This is Education in action—bridging the gap between design and making.

The Outcome: 

The outcome of this collaboration is tangible and transformative. The students successfully produced a beautiful, reclaimed Passive House door assembly, complete with high-performance gaskets and insulation, and even integrated a historic stained-glass transom found on site. But the real outcome is the students themselves. They walked away with invaluable skills in design, fabrication, and problem-solving, having made a lasting, positive mark on a building in their own community.

We have the expertise to combine architecture, fabrication, and education to build and teach through the process of making.

Contact us to discuss your project.