Homes that are 100% powered by the sun.
Cut the cord on energy costs with our proven net-zero home plans.
Powerhouse simplifies the process of building a net-zero home.
We bring the next generation of energy efficiency and comfort within reach of anyone planning a new build. This is the future of housing.
Featured net zero house plans
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Larson Home Plans
$400.00 – $1,400.005 Bedrooms
Average cost to build: $631,000
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Trax Home Plans
$400.00 – $1,400.005 Bedrooms
Average cost to build: $767,000
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West Seattle Home Plans
$400.00 – $1,400.003 Bedrooms
Average cost to build: $571,000
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EV1 Home Plans
$400.00 – $1,400.003 Bedrooms
Average cost to build: $466,000
Custom design & consultation
Do you want an efficient home that is tailored to your lifestyle and needs? Let our award-winning team of net-zero design experts develop plans that are in harmony with your budget and building site. We also offer consultation services to support you at any stage of your homebuilding journey.
Our homes are designed to outperform
No Energy Bills
Your home can generate enough solar energy to cover all heating, cooling, and domestic use. It can even have enough left to charge your electric car!
Comfort
Outstanding indoor air quality, comfortable temperatures in all seasons, abundant natural light. Your new home will be the most comfortable and livable space you’ve ever experienced.
Low Carbon
Your home will contain below-average embodied carbon and will emit zero carbon day to day.
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Who we are
We are drawn to people with a passion for doing things differently, who dream big and see possibilities beyond the status quo. When you work with us, you get a team that shares your commitment to pushing the performance envelope, that is personally committed to making your home everything you dreamed it could be.
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Why Powerhouse Designs?
All our house designs have been built. We are a team of very practical designers who work in the design-build industry. Because these houses are easy and logical to build, your contractor’s bid price will be lower than other designs. Living in a Powerhouse means you pay no fuel or electricity bills, the interior is bright, and you have splendid vaulted ceilings. We have been awarded more than a dozen times by the U.S. Department of Energy.
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Awards
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Testimonials
FAQ
Is net zero possible in my cold/hot/cloudy location?
Yes. We build net-zero houses in the Pacifc Northwest, which is cloudy and yields 3.5 hours of sunshine per day on average. With this level of cloudiness, we spec between 3.1 watts of solar per square foot (for a 2,500-square-foot house) to 4.8 watts per square foot (for a 1,000-square-foot house) to achieve net zero.
Does a net-zero house have batteries?
Not necessarily. A net-zero house does not need batteries because the house is tied to the electricity grid. Because net-zero houses are often all electric, a battery is a good idea if your area has power outages. You can also keep a generator for these eventualities.
Does a net-zero home cost more to build?
Yes. A net-zero house has to include solar panels to generate energy.
Why isn’t every home net zero?
A net-zero house is very, very well insulated to ensure that only a small amount of energy is needed to heat or cool the house. Not many houses are well enough insulated to be cost-effectively net zero, although you can always add more solar panels. Importantly, a net-zero house must have the means to produce energy, which is often solar panels. There must be enough roof space to locate solar panels, and the panels need to be installed.
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