Business Details
20 Years
experience
Custom Passive House Builders in Chapel Hill, NC
Newphire Building is a progressive, high-performance home builder based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, specializing in ultra-energy-efficient homes built to the rigorous Passive House standard. Founded in 2006, our team combines decades of experience in sustainable construction with a passion for creating beautiful, durable homes that align with environmental principles. We prioritize collaboration throughout the building process, working closely with clients, architects, and subcontractors to ensure every project meets exacting standards of quality and energy efficiency.Our expertise in Passive House construction, earned through certifications and hands-on experience with multiple certified projects, positions us as leaders in North Carolina's green building community. We are committed to transparency, client education, and innovative solutions that reduce energy consumption while enhancing comfort and long-term value for homeowners.
Services
Custom Home Building
Passive House Construction
Energy-Efficient Homes
Green Building
General Contracting
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- Certified Passive House Builders with multiple completed projects meeting international energy standards
- Collaborative process involving clients, architects, and builders from initial lot selection
- Specialized expertise in net-zero energy home design and construction
- Decades of combined experience in sustainable building techniques and materials
- Local knowledge of Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Pittsboro area building requirements
Associations and certifications
- Passive House Institute
Services
Custom Home Building
We specialize in creating bespoke residences tailored to client needs and site conditions. Our process integrates energy efficiency with aesthetic design, using advanced building science to ensure comfort and sustainability. Each home undergoes rigorous performance testing to meet Passive House standards.
Passive House Construction
As one of North Carolina's few Certified Passive House Builders, we construct homes that use 80-90% less energy for heating and cooling. Our expertise includes thermal envelope optimization, air-tightness testing, and high-performance window installation to meet international Passive House Institute requirements.
Energy-Efficient Homes
Our homes incorporate solar-ready designs, advanced insulation systems, and energy recovery ventilation. We focus on reducing operational costs through passive solar orientation, high-efficiency mechanical systems, and renewable material selection for long-term environmental and financial benefits.
Green Building
We implement eco-conscious practices including waste reduction, local material sourcing, and low-VOC finishes. Our approach balances environmental responsibility with functional design, creating healthy living spaces that minimize ecological impact while maintaining superior craftsmanship.
General Contracting
We oversee all aspects of the building process from permitting to completion. Our team coordinates subcontractors, manages timelines, and maintains budget control while ensuring adherence to Passive House principles and quality standards throughout every phase of construction.
People
Kevin Murphy
President and Founder
Certified Passive House Builder with 15+ years in high-performance construction. Former Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay, bringing global sustainability perspective. Led three certified Passive House projects in North Carolina.
Chris Kerscher
Project Manager
Former corporate professional turned builder with expertise in energy-efficient construction. Joined Newphire in 2015 after running successful renovation business. Specializes in blending traditional craftsmanship with modern performance standards.
Ted Sanford
Project Manager
Licensed General Contractor with experience in custom cabinetry and high-end finishes. Joined Newphire in 2018, bringing 20+ years of residential construction knowledge. Focuses on precision detailing and quality control in passive house projects.
Jay Bauer
Project Manager
NAHB Certified Green Builder with 14 years at Carolina Country Builders. Joined Newphire in 2019, contributing expertise in sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. Combines technical knowledge with hands-on construction experience.
Karan Gupta
Project Manager
Environmental Management Master's graduate from Duke. PHIUS-certified expert in high-performance building. Joined Newphire in 2021 after consulting work in prefabrication and sustainable design. Focuses on innovative construction technologies and carbon reduction strategies.
Questions
What is Passive House construction?
Passive House is a rigorous energy efficiency standard requiring homes to use 80-90% less energy for heating/cooling through superior insulation, air-tightness, and heat recovery systems.
Do you build outside the Chapel Hill area?
We primarily serve Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Pittsboro, and surrounding North Carolina regions, but can consider projects within a 50-mile radius of our base location.
Can you help with lot selection?
Yes, we provide free consultation for lot evaluation, assessing factors like solar orientation, topography, and zoning regulations to optimize home performance and cost efficiency.
What certifications do you hold?
We are certified Passive House Builders through the Passive House Institute and maintain membership in the Passive House Alliance US organization.
How does your building process work?
Our six-step process begins with lot selection and architect pairing, followed by collaborative design, budgeting, and construction phases with continuous client-builder-architect coordination.
What's included in your energy-efficient homes?
Our homes feature triple-glazed windows, continuous insulation, heat recovery ventilation, and solar-ready designs. We use energy modeling to optimize performance before construction begins.
