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IN-PERSON TOUR – OCTOBER 3-5, 2025 | Lakeside Net Zero Passive House | National Solar Tour:

Paul Abueva and Mark Miller Virtual Tour Lakeside passive house

The Net Zero Passive House in Michigan, designed by Mark Miller Architects and built by Abueva Builders, exemplifies sustainable innovation through its circular, energy-efficient design, achieving PHIUS, LEED Platinum, and EPA certification by Catalyst Partners. The project incorporates a super-insulated double-stud wall envelope, triple-pane windows, a grid-tied 12.4 kW 30-panel solar array with backup batteries, a ducted mini-split heat pump system, and a conditioning ERV with a ground loop heat exchanger, boosting its efficiency by 15%. The project utilizes nearly all cellulose insulation, helping to grow the circular economy, and conscious building practices resulted in minimal job site waste. This holistic approach to its design reduces energy consumption by 85% and allows it to operate entirely on clean solar power. Unique features like a curved stairwell, 2-story window walls, aging-in-place strategies, including preparations to install an elevator if ever needed, and computer-modeled solar array placement optimized performance, indoor/outdoor connections, and aesthetics, earned the home the USGBC West Michigan’s Innovative Project of the Year Award.

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SCHEDULE YOUR IN-PERSON TOUR OCTOBER 3-5, Richland, Michigan

Schedule IN-PERSON TOUR –> Passive House Net Zero | National Solar Tour

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GreenHome Institute Virtual Home Tours – Pitsfield LEED Gold Zero Energy

Take a quick tour with GHI member Paul Abueva of an energy-efficient, accessible home in Southwest Michigan. This exceptional LEED Gold Zero Energy New Construction home was designed to be affordable, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly. The ranch-style design features ICF walls, advanced air sealing, and a smart HVAC system for comfort and air quality. Eco-friendly touches include locally sourced hickory wood, water-saving fixtures, natural landscaping, and a high-efficiency soapstone fireplace. The home also features accessibility enhancements, including a zero-clearance entry and curbless showers.

VIRTUAL TOUR –> Pitsfield Tour LEED Gold Zero Energy New Construction Home

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Abueva Builders completes LEED Gold Certified Pitsfield Project!

This distinctive home features a unique shell design and was constructed using Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) walls atop a Frost Protected Shallow Foundation (FPSF). By combining a highly insulated building envelope, a 6.5 kW solar array, and a Tulikivi soapstone fireplace, the home achieved net zero energy performance. Integrating a wood-burning stove within a Passive House-level airtight shell was a first for us—but the impressive results have made it a strong contender for future projects.

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Framing begins on the West Portage LEED home

A square and level floor system ensures that everything will be spot on as we continue to work our way up. We are also trying something new for this build.  Instead of our typical double stud wall design, we had the 2×6 walls panelized with Zip System Insulated R-Sheathing to add an additional R6 and speed construction.

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Lakeside NetZero Passive Insulation Ready

We are almost ready for insulation. All rough inspections have passed and the LEED Green Rater completed their inspections.

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Abueva Builders presents “The Abueva Family Home – A Builder’s Proof of Concept”

Join us March 28th at 5:30 pm for our presentation at Louie’s Bar and Grille! The presentation is part of a series organized by the Southwest Michigan Sustainable Business Forum called Green Drinks. Every month they invite a speaker to make an informal presentation about various environmental topics, and they have invited us to share our story about building one of Soutwest Michigan’s greenest homes.

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