Net-Zero Design & Build Blog
Share our passion for net-zero home design and construction.
5 Sustainable Interior Design Choices
When discussing sustainable, net-zero, healthy homes, we often talk about the envelope and mechanics of the house. But what about the interior? How can our interior finishes affect the house’s overall carbon footprint, indoor air quality, water and energy efficiency?...
Educated Design: A year in the Murphy Home
There’s a right & a wrong way to design windows on the southside of a house. The Murphy Home windows are done the right way, are a bit high, tucked up towards the eaves to admit the low winter sunshine yet shade-out the unwanted high summer sun so it can’t enter...
Discover The Benefits of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) Foundations
What are the benefits of using insulated concrete forms, otherwise known as ICFs and how does it relate to Net-Zero housing? A Net-Zero house is insulated on all (6) sides, and Powerhouse designs with structural insulated panels (SIPs), so we have R-29 SIPs walls all...
Embodied Carbon: A Simplified Introduction
At Powerhouse Designs, we have dedicated ourselves to pursing the vision of zero-energy homes for all. We strive to be pioneers in energy efficiency, seeking to create a healthy and clean carbon neutral future that allows the next generation to thrive. Our history of...
What are SIPs?
What are SIPs you might be wondering? The short answer: Structural. Insulated. Panels. SIPs are wall, roof (and sometimes floor) panels. Fabricated from a slab of foam sandwiched between two OSBs (oriented strand board). The sandwich-panels can be up to 24’x8’ and are...
Powerhouse Standard Net-Zero House
Over our many years of designing homes with our sister company TC Legend Homes building them, we've nailed down a tried-and-true standard net-zero house design and methodology that allows us to consistently achieve highly efficient, healthy, net-positive homes. Design...
Net zero development: Which way to run the streets
Which way do you run the streets to maximize solar exposure for dense Net Zero development? Common wisdom states that the optimal streets run east west, which makes sense if you’re the house on the north side of the street, because there’s nothing shading your house,...
12 Key Features of Net Zero House Plans
Imagine living in a home that not only helps saves the planet but also saves you money. Net zero homes can do just that. These innovative dwellings are designed to produce as much energy as they consume during the course of a year, resulting in less environmental...
What Is a Net Zero Home and Why You Should Consider Building One
Kitchen of a zero energy home with energy efficient appliances Net zero homes generate as much energy as they use What is a net zero home? A net zero or zero energy home achieves a state of energy equilibrium, where the energy produced on site offsets the energy...
The Pros and Cons of Building a Net Zero Home
An urban infill net zero home in Seattle with a ground floor accessory dwelling unit. You can probably imagine that here at Powerhouse Designs, we are true believers in the net zero home approach. It just makes so much sense. Why not use smart design (and solar...