the Best Built Home in America

What metrics should we use to evaluate and define the quality of our housing.

On a Monday morning, a message from my Architect friend, Steve Baczek, posed the question “What the best house in America looks like? What metrics would you use? Which metrics would you prioritize?” The question is similar to the ones we wrestled with in the early 2000’s as we built our state Green Building standard (which went on to be the regional GreenStar program), and continues to be the subject of conversation in the sustainability and passive house space. What makes Steve’s question different and worthwhile, is the absence of any lens other than that of America.

Timing is a curious thing. Just two days prior, another good friend, Michael Klement of Architectural resource, had one of their homes receive the first Pre-Certification from PHIUS (Passive House Institute US). His firm has no shortage of accolades, including the first home to achieve the coveted Living Building Challenge designation. Klement is about as committed to designing and building the “Best” home possible as anyone I’ve met. In the comments following an article on one of his homes, the question of cost was raised. Cost is routinely thrown out as a strawman argument against replication or market acceptance, and while in that context the question was silly, perhaps in Steve’s question it plays a role.

The common metrics used in the High Performance / Sustainability / Green building community look similar. You will see it reflected in the various standards and certifications, with the weight of each shifted based on that programs bias. They are, in no particular order: Durability, Resilience, Community Impact, Site Impact, Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation, Indoor Environmental Quality, Embodied Energy, and Carbon footprint. Cost is never included.

Biophillic design sometimes gets a nod, but rarely makes the cut. Beauty is too subjective for committee work. The occupant is viewed through the lens of health, but very little else. (Yes, Universal Design is out there, but it still reduces the occupant to little more than dimensional consideration.) Occupant happiness is far too abstract to make a list of metrics.

In software design we talk about the UI (User interface). In business we talk about CX (Consumer Experience). A UI that is designed around function only, generally results in a poor CX. Is it such a stretch that we apply those same weights to our homes?

Theory of Object is a psychological term that refers to the emotional attachment we build with inanimate objects or objects incapable of caring or reciprocating. A child has their favorite stuffed animal or blanket. People name their vehicles, and feel bad about turning a song off mid-song. Humans develop strong feelings about brands despite having actual connection to the company that owns it. We will bond with an object to such an extent that full blown cognitive dissonance sets in.

Ask any environmentalist or social justice advocate why they purchased an Apple product, despite the company having no charitable giving arm, losing its environmental certifications, and engaging in some seriously questionable business practices. (wired). Why do we pick on McDonalds, a company that made DEI , community outreach, and charitable work a cornerstone of their organization?

When we ask the question, What is the best built house, how can we gut check that we’re not picking metrics because we’ve developed a relationship with that idea? Should we look beyond the simple measurements and ask how the house and the construction process of the house is serving the community?

Is the best built house in America the one that has the coolest tech? Is it the house that meets an ideal? Is it a house that can be easily loved? Is it a house that brings joy to the occupant? Is it the house built by members of the community? Is it the house that ensures every hand that touched any material or process was paid more than a living wage, treated with dignity, and ensured a safe and healthy working environment?

I’ve held the position that a home is a place for people to live and thrive. It is a place for love. It is the place we have great moments of joy, and the place we retreat to in great moments of sadness. We heal our bodies and our souls at home. Home is a place of birth and death, of lives intertwined. Home is a object of so much memory and deep moments of feeling.

The best built house has no value until it is a home. What makes a great home, is what a great house strives to be. The best built house, is one that is designed and built around and for the occupant, supporting their well being, while simultaneously improving the quality of life for everyone involved.