Hankin Group developed the U.S.’s first market-rate multifamily residential project designed to achieve Phius ZERO certification, advancing sustainable development within the 800-acre Eagleview community through a high-performance, 32-unit residential model.
Challenge
The challenge was to design a market-rate residential building capable of achieving Phius ZERO certification while maintaining affordability, resident comfort, and long-term value. The project also needed to integrate rigorous Passive House principles within a development characterized by more traditional architectural styles.
Solution
Our multidisciplinary team designed the building around the five core Passive House principles: continuous insulation, airtight construction, thermal bridge-free design, high-performance windows and doors, and energy recovery ventilation. Rooftop photovoltaic arrays offset annual energy consumption, while durable, low-maintenance materials, including rice-hull-based cladding, support both environmental performance and a contemporary architectural expression.
Outcome
Achieving Phius ZERO certification establishes a new benchmark for sustainable multi-family housing while delivering lower utility costs, improved indoor air quality, enhanced acoustic comfort, and net-zero annual operational energy. By reducing Passive House construction premiums through material innovation and design optimization, the project demonstrates that exceptional energy performance, affordability, and resident wellbeing can successfully coexist.
Material innovation and design optimization reduced Passive House construction premiums from 25% to 15%, while rooftop photovoltaic arrays offset annual energy consumption and support net-zero operational energy.
Hankin Group created the first market-rate, multifamily residential development in the US designed to achieve Phius ZERO certification, a benchmark in energy-efficient design and construction that aligns with their commitment to sustainable, socially responsible projects. This 4-story, 32-unit building represents the next chapter of a larger vision for the 800-acre Eagleview community, which is mixed with commercial, residential, and retail uses.
Our multidisciplinary team collaborated closely on designing a building guided by the five key principles of Passive House: continuous insulation, airtight construction, thermal bridge-free design, high-performance windows and doors, and energy recovery ventilation. These principles enable exceptional energy efficiency while maintaining consistent indoor air quality and thermal comfort. The building’s airtight construction reduces energy loss, while the continuous insulation envelops the building, preventing heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Special attention was given to eliminating thermal bridges, enabling a uniform, comfortable indoor environment for residents throughout the year.
Rooftop photovoltaic arrays generate electricity that offsets the building’s energy consumption, contributing to the achievement of net zero annual operational energy. Through material innovation and design optimization, the team reduced Passive House construction premiums from 25% to 15%, demonstrating that sustainability can be achieved without sacrificing affordability. Durable, low-maintenance materials such as rice-hull-based cladding balance environmental impact with long-term operational value. The cladding resembles a wood finish for a natural, timeless appearance. The building’s contemporary aesthetic intentionally offers a distinct yet gentle transition from the larger development’s more traditional style.
The result is a transformative addition to the Eagleview development, blending multifamily residential design with exceptional energy performance. Achieving Phius ZERO delivers significant value for the owner, occupants, and environment, setting a precedent for sustainable luxury living in the region. With lower utility costs, reduced reliance on external power, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced noise reduction, the project highlights the lasting benefits of Passive House design for daily living. Thoughtfully designed living spaces, paired with resort-style amenities, cultivate a healthy, vibrant community for all residents. This achievement reinforces Hankin Group’s role as a leader in sustainable development, paving the way for future communities that prioritize performance and long-term value.
