Rock Hill Home Earns First Passive House Status
The 3,466-square-foot residence uses solar power and airtight design to reach near-zero electricity bills.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Home Renovation
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A 3,466-square-foot residence in Rock Hill has become the first home in eastern Missouri to earn Passive House certification. The project integrates advanced insulation and renewable energy systems to achieve near-zero electricity bills.
Why it matters
The project serves as a regional milestone for high-performance home building, demonstrating how airtight construction and solar power can eliminate energy costs. Homeowners pursued this standard to resolve insulation and heating inefficiencies experienced in their previous residence.
This 3,466-square-foot home utilizes a 20 kilowatt-hour battery system capable of powering the residence off-grid for one week. The house also features a specialized energy recovery ventilation system that filters indoor air and regulates fresh air intake.
The players
Jessica Deem
The architect who returned to St. Louis in 2012 and established her own firm in 2017 to focus on sustainable design projects.
Phius
A national organization that sets the rigorous energy-efficiency and air-quality standards required for Passive House certification.
The details
The home achieves airtightness through high-performance windows and specialized insulation, which prevents conditioned air from escaping. An energy recovery ventilation system manages indoor air quality by filtering pollutants and mixing in fresh outdoor air. Additionally, a solar-plus-battery setup allows the owners to use an electric vehicle as an emergency generator to maintain power during outages.
Timeline
2012: Architect Jessica Deem returned to St. Louis.
2017: Architect Jessica Deem started her firm.
February 2026: The home was nearing completion.
October 21, 2026: Official project documentation and certification announcement.
The Home Front
The project follows the Phius Passive House certification standard, marking a shift toward ultra-low energy residential buildings in Missouri. It demonstrates the technical feasibility of reaching near-zero utility costs through private-sector innovation in regional housing markets.
Homeowners interested in improving their own energy efficiency should research high-performance windows and specialized insulation options with a licensed architect. Consider evaluating your current ventilation and heating systems if you notice recurring issues with indoor air quality or temperature control.
The takeaway
Achieving Passive House certification requires an integrated approach to envelope airtightness and renewable energy generation. Consider discussing modern energy recovery ventilation systems with a building professional if you are planning major renovations to improve air quality and efficiency.
Further reading
For more on energy-efficient building standards, visit Home Renovation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by St. Louis Magazine.
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