This custom zero-energy home for a young family was designed by Virescent and is the first certified Passive House in St. Louis, Missouri.
The 3,466-square-foot, all-electric home is designed to produce as much energy as it consumes annually, achieving net-zero performance and earning Phius ZERO 2024 certification from the Passive House Institute US (Phius).
A 10.8-kilowatt rooftop solar array generates approximately 14,844 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, while a super-insulated, exceptionally airtight envelope, high-performance windows, and balanced heat-recovery ventilation minimize heating and cooling costs. The result is lower energy usage, improved indoor air quality, and consistent year-round comfort.
“Most prospective homeowners who are curious about Passive House are initially looking for energy efficiency, but many don't realize the same design strategies also make their homes quieter, healthier, more comfortable”
— Jessica Deem, Virescent Architecture + Design
Passive House construction also helps homes maintain stable indoor temperatures during heat waves, ice storms, and power outages by slowing heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. As weather extremes become more common, that resilience is becoming an increasingly valuable benefit for homeowners.
St. Louis Magazine: The STL house built to withstand a blackout
General Contracting by FM Design Build
Energy Modeling by Build Zero Consulting
Mechanical design by Energy Vanguard // Installation by Central Air Heating & Cooling
2026 Most Enhanced Award, Landmarks Association of St. Louis
Constructed in 1893 by architect Frederick Meyer, 2831 Chippewa served as a mix of commercial and residential spaces for decades to come. Frequently home to a furniture retail store, most notably that of famous gospel singers Slim & Zella Mae Cox for several decades until Slim’s death in 2012.
The first floor has two retail spaces, which used to host Slim and Zella Mae Cox’ furniture store, where, according to the jingle, “That little dollar that you got is gonna stretch a long long way.” They also had a recording studio in the back where they broadcast a radio show.
The renovation included a total rehab of the interior, creating 8 apartments on the upper floors and two commercial spaces on the first floor, with hardwood flooring, wooden windows and restored trim work. The exterior of the building has also been lovingly restored, with tuckpointing, painting and excellent window replacement.
Contractor: Arcas
Owner // Property Manager: South Side Spaces
More info: Zella Mae - South Side Spaces
2022 Most Enhanced Award, Landmarks Association of St. Louis
Contractor: Arcas
Owner // Property Manager: South Side Spaces
More info: 2755 Chippewa - South Side Spaces
New construction single-family home
New addition to an existing historic home
Historical rehabilitation of 2616-20 Cherokee in accordance with The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation
A mixed-use development including 5 residential apartments and 3 commercial storefronts.
Landmarks Association “Most Enhanced” award winner, 2024.
A South Side Spaces property.
New construction addition to an existing home
