Building a home is one of the most meaningful investments a person can make—full of dreams, tough decisions, and endless possibilities.
In this session, we’ll hear from two sets of homeowners who chose a different path: one grounded in Passive House principles, sustainability, and long-term resilience.
Join us for a conversation with Ryan Downey and Jessica Bodford, first-time homebuilders in Chapel Hill, NC. They’re building their dream home in Array, a Net Zero community. From the very beginning, they’ve prioritized sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and top-tier performance—even in the face of resistance from conventional builders. Their story is one of clarity, persistence, and staying true to their values.
We’ll also hear from Malcom Flemming, who, alongside his partner Susan Nedell, is rebuilding in Louisville, CO after losing their home in the Marshall Fire. For them, this isn’t just a rebuild—it’s a chance to build back better. Malcom will share their journey toward Passive House certification, the importance of mission-aligned partners, and the hard decisions that come with making a resilient home a reality.
Moderated by Edie Dillman of B.PUBLIC Prefab, this panel offers an honest look at what it takes to build a home that reflects not just performance goals, but personal values. Whether you’re planning your own project or just Passive House curious, you’ll walk away inspired by these stories of vision, grit, and thoughtful choices.
Learning Credits (in progress)
1 LU AIA CEU & 1 PHI CEU
Learning Objectives
Outline the motivations for homeowners to choose Passive House.
Describe strategies to overcome challenges in high-performance homebuilding.
Outline how values can influence design, materials, and partnerships.
Describe real stories of staying committed to sustainability and resilience.