The High Performance Home Survey Results
A1DesignBuild is a designer and builder of homes in Bellingham and Whatcom County, Washington. We specialize in everything from home remodels to complete high-performance home builds, and our over 70 years of providing excellent service to the community assures that your home project gets done right - each and every time.
A few weeks back we did a very informal survey asking people what they were looking for in a new home. We posted this across the socials and in an email blast, and got the following results from a sample of 10 people. Not a ton. Not scientific by any means. But also pointed to the potential future of home building: one centered on sustainability, efficiency, and yes, beauty.
Which is something we should all remember: you don’t have to sacrifice design to make your home smarter. Indeed, if you don’t absolutely love where you live, then the rest is all for naught. We don’t want that, and that’s exactly why our design team works so hard to collaborate with people like you to integrate ‘best in class’ across the board.
Take a look:
Of the people who responded, solar and high performance windows were the clear winners, with proper insulation coming in close behind. Which points to a desire for people to be both self-sufficient (and Net Zero) with comfort and temperature control front and center. The rainwater harvesting system was also a priority, which can feed secondary water needs like gardens and laundry. All good stuff.
Here’s response number two:
The clear winner here is an airsource heat pump. An air source heat pump (ASHP) is an electric-powered system that heats or cools a building by transferring heat from the outside air into the building, or vice-versa. ASHPs are highly energy-efficient, providing two to three times more heat output than the electrical energy they consume, and they can be used year-round for both heating and cooling. This technology uses a refrigerant and a system of heat exchangers and compressors to move heat, rather than generating it through combustion, making it a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-based heating systems. Another winner.
Finally, here’s response number three:
What we love most about the people we work with is this: our clients have the best ideas of all. They have the vision and the dream, and it’s our job to work hand in hand to make that become a reality. We are busy right now, for example, working on a series of set plans to be launched soon that hit many of the above requests, with a focus on high performance that meets stringent passive home and net-zero standards.
It’s feedback like this, and the ideas of the community we serve, that truly make an impact. Passive and net-zero homes aren’t just a trend—they’re the future of responsible building. Smart design, insulation, and proper ventilation can cut energy use by up to 90% in most cases, and net-zero homes go further by producing as much energy as they consume. Together, they cut carbon emissions, lower utility bills, and create healthier, more comfortable living spaces. It’s one way we can future-proof our communities, add long-term value to homes, and leave a planet worth inheriting to those who come after us. Lofty goals, indeed. But all within reach.
If you want to know when our plans go live - just fill in your info below and we’ll keep you in the loop.
We love exploring new ideas and ways of doing things. Together, we believe we can really make a difference.
Drop your email below, and we’ll do the rest.
