Net Zero in North Carolina
Photo by Hopper Construction
Located within the Array community (a net zero–focused neighborhood in the foothills of North Carolina) this home was the project that inspired B.PUBLIC's Array standard plan. First-build homeowners, Jess and Ryan, came to this project with clarity and conviction: they wanted a home that was airtight, all-electric, deeply healthy to live in, and true to their values from the ground up. Their choice to build in a neighborhood dedicated to sustainability shaped every decision that followed, from the Passive House modeled envelope to the all-electric systems, to a layout designed for both comfort and connection to the landscape around them.
After their first fall and winter in the home, the couple described it as "our safe haven from a health and sustainability perspective." The super-insulated enclosure, balanced ERV ventilation, and efficient heat pump systems work so quietly that the seasons outside barely register indoors. A screened porch extends the living space into the North Carolina foothills (bug-free and cat-safe) while the open great room, flex space, and private retreats inside balance gathering with sanctuary.
Jess and Ryan have since become some of the most generous advocates for high-performance construction we've had the pleasure of working with, opening their home and sharing their story so that others can learn what it truly takes to build a home that reflects personal values as much as performance goals.
Project Details:
Specs: 3 Bed • 2 Bath • 1 Gym/Flex Space • 1888 Sqft
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
Designer: B.PUBLIC Studio (The Array)
Builder: Hopper Construction
B.PUBLIC Panels: R35 Advanced Wall; R59 Roof
Panel Installers: Raleigh Henry (Southern Star Builders), Austin Littrell (Maypop Builds)
Windows: Viking Windows
Ventilation: Zehnder America HRV
Passive House Modeling: Ed May, CPHD at Bldgtyp - Read the report
Site Features: All-electric home featuring a future rooftop solar array, high-performance windows & doors from Viking, an efficient electric appliance package, and an ERV system coupled with a low-capacity, 4-zone heat pump mini split system. Gracious home and attached garage with mudroom for a growing family designed for sanctuary, connection to the natural environment, and open living room and kitchen great room.
Behind the Build:
🗓️ Event: Tour this home! This home is open for a free, self-guided tour on May 16–17, 2026, (noon–5pm) as part of the High Performance Home Tour.
🎥 Video: Meet the homeowners, Jess and Ryan, in this Passive House Network panel interview about what it truly takes to build a home that reflects personal values as much as performance goals : “The Homeowner’s Journey”
📊 Report: Get geeky with the Passive House energy modeling results. While this project did not pursue certification, the clients found the process of whole-building modeling helpful for making informed decisions about what decisions to make.
📸 Follow on IG: The homeowners themselves have a project Instagram account! This is worth following and exploring the process straight from them! @reypassivehouse
Photo Gallery
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