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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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Intentional Design and Construction Serving Both People and the Planet

We’re proud to announce the completion of a highly energy-efficient duplex built for staff housing at Camp Friedenswald. The camp approached us with a clear goal: to create a residence that reflects their commitment to environmental stewardship—and we delivered.

Each unit features 12-inch-thick double-stud walls, significantly improving thermal performance and reducing the heating load to just 22,000 BTUH per unit. The result is a durable, comfortable, and energy-smart home that aligns with the camp’s sustainability values.

In addition to its high performance, the duplex includes accessibility features, ensuring that the space is functional and inclusive for individuals of all abilities.

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Green Home Institute Virtual Tour: Lakeside Passive House

Paul Abueva and Mark Miller Virtual Tour Lakeside passive house

Join Paul Abueva – Builder, Mark Miller – Architect, and the Green Home Institute for an insightful virtual home tour of Lakeside Net Zero LEED Platinum, Passive House Net Zero Certified home that showcases innovative solutions to various site challenges and the latest in sustainable building practices. This event will address the intricacies of site placement, exploring the impact of south sun exposure versus views in other directions, tree cover considerations, and managing water tables related to basement garages. Attendees will learn about effective rain collection strategies for long driveways and how the design features cater to aging in place and serve as tornado shelters. The scope of work includes elements of passive house design, focusing on air tightness, high-performance windows, and integrating an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) to promote indoor air quality, all sponsored by GHI.”

Virtual Tour: Lakeside Passive House LEED Platinum Net Zero – Free CE Webinar

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ABUEVA BUILDERS RECEIVES 2024 USGBC MICHIGAN LOCAL MARKET LEADERSHIP AWARD

Lakeside Net Zero Outstanding Single Family Home Quality of Life Award for a project that has made significant efforts in improving health, wellbeing, resilience, and equity for building occupants and their communities, making spaces not just environmentally friendly but also people-friendly.

2024 U.S. Local Market Leadership Awards. These prestigious awards recognize projects, people, and partners from participating markets across the country for excellence in creating better buildings and improving the lives of all in their local communities.

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Another Successful Build – Lakeside Home in Michigan

Abueva Builders lakefront cottage restoration.

This lakefront home in Portage Michigan began as an expansion of a nearly 100-year-old cottage that had undergone several additions over the years. While only a portion of the original foundation and floor system was retained, this allowed us to fully address long-standing issues and create an energy-efficient, and airtight home. We also integrated age-in-place features to ensure long-term livability for future generations. The exterior design and build were especially meaningful, as preserving the original aesthetic was a top priority for the homeowners. Judging by the many compliments from neighbors, we’re confident we stayed true to the home’s heritage and the owners vision!

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LAKESIDE NET ZERO HOME RECEIVES LEED OUTSTANDING SINGLE FAMILY HOME AWARD

USGBC is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2024 U.S. Local Market Leadership Awards. These prestigious awards recognize projects, people, and partners from participating markets across the country for excellence in creating better buildings and improving the lives of all in their local communities. The 42 projects, 8 individuals, and 11 organizations recognized this year represent the pinnacle of green innovation and leadership.

Outstanding Single Family Home
Lakeside Net Zero, Richland, Mich., (LEED Platinum)—The heart of this residence is its cutting-edge custom ducted mini-split heat pump system, seamlessly integrated with ventilation coupled with a ground loop heat exchanger. This innovative heating and cooling solution reduces energy consumption by 85%, minimizing the home’s carbon footprint.

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U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan awards Abueva Builders 2023 Innovative Project 3rd Place Winner

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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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