Beacon Hill Passive House

The first PHIUS-certified Passive House in Missouri, located in downtown’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, was designed to provide its owners with a sustainable and comfortable legacy while revitalizing the urban community. Situated at the beginning of a linear park, the ideally positioned house features a two-story protrusion, offering panoramic views of downtown Kansas City. The exterior design blends modern elements with traditional neighborhood forms, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Internally, the space is characterized by calmness and comfort, utilizing white oak for cabinetry, floors and stair components.

The high-performance home incorporates super-insulated SIPs walls, trussed roofs and well-sized overhangs for effective solar management—all working to ensure superior indoor air quality and environmental controls. The design addressed challenges posed by the narrow, sloping urban lot, focusing on southern solar exposure, privacy and potential future developments.

Additionally, accessibility considerations for a family member with mobility issues were incorporated. Meeting the rigorous PHIUS certification involved overcoming technical challenges in wall assemblies, air-barrier systems and ventilation. The project’s success was achieved through collaboration, careful planning of air-sealing strategies and innovative solutions, such as a coffered roof truss and negative-pressure application of airborne air sealant during the blower-door test.