Passive Homes Take Shape

Passive Homes Take Shape

The Passive Home project is moving full steam ahead, and recent events have shown just how much interest and excitement this initiative is generating. Over the month of September we hosted two well-attended gatherings. The first brought together leaders from Energize DE, who were inspired by the potential these homes represent. The second welcomed more than two dozen contractors, architects, and municipal leaders from across the Tri-State area. Interest was so high that nearly two dozen more had to be turned away due to space limitations, clear proof that our community is eager to learn about what’s being built here.

Guests had the chance to see behind the scenes, with a presentation on the design and construction methods that make Passive Homes different. The highlight came with the first round of testing at two of the homes. The results were extraordinary: Air penetration and duct leakage levels came in at .0186, numbers that New Ecology’s Alec described as the best he’s ever seen in new single-family construction. The team had hoped to approach .04; instead, they surpassed expectations with a performance nearly twice as strong.

These milestones aren’t just technical victories, they are powerful reminders of what’s possible when innovation meets community commitment. Passive Homes are designed to provide long-term comfort, dramatically lower utility costs, and a healthier environment for families. Even more, they stand as a model of how affordable housing and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. These homes aren’t just buildings; they are the beginning of a new standard for what housing can mean for our community’s future.

Thank you to our partners Green Diamond Builders, New Ecology, Architectural Alliance, DSHA, Energize DE, City of Dover and Cypress Construction.