December 20, 2025

A Year Built with Purpose

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on a year filled with innovation, craftsmanship, and meaningful collaborations. From new custom builds and award-winning features to sustainability-driven partnerships, this year pushed the boundaries of what modern homebuilding can achieve. Here’s a look back at the highlights that defined our year.

New Builds That Defined 2025

In 2025, we delivered four signature homes that define the intersection of inspired living and sustainable innovation.

Montreal Residence: A bold, all-electric sanctuary featuring HempWool insulation, triple-pane windows, and a dedicated wellness retreat powered by integrated solar panels.
Can Hdeska Residence: A "moody modern" custom home in Prior Lake, blending dramatic rooflines with luxury details like a private art studio and an expansive entertaining deck with a hot tub.
Waters Edge Residence: A refined island retreat on Lake O’Dowd featuring dual workstations, a golf simulator, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow for ultimate lakeside living.
Vincent Residence: Elevated Scandinavian minimalism in Linden Hills, pairing custom millwork and sustainable design with functional luxury, including an elevator and flexible office.
Saunders Residence: A high-performance masterpiece on the Mississippi River, utilizing a modest footprint with integrated rain gardens and a rooftop deck for sunset views.

These projects reflect the continued evolution of our craft and set a high standard for the inspired year ahead.

Showcasing High-Performance Design

Sustainable 9 participated in three premier Minnesota home tours in 2025, reaching thousands of visitors with our vision for modern architecture and inspired living:

Spring Parade of Homes: Featured the Vincent Residence, a Scandinavian-inspired rowhome emphasizing wellness with triple-pane windows, a private sauna, and a rooftop deck.

Summer Artisan Home Tour: Highlighted the Montreal Residence, a leader in sustainable efficiency equipped with Tesla Powerwalls, Span Panels, HempWool insulation, and solar technology.

Homes by Architects Tour (AIA): Showcased three distinct modern designs:

Waters Edge Residence: A 6,541+ sq. ft. contemporary lakeside retreat built for entertaining.
Lake O'Dowd Residence: A mid-century modern home featuring a hidden lounge, sport court, and direct lake access.
West Lake Residence: A light-filled Orono home blending timeless craftsmanship with modern design in collaboration with Shelter Architecture.

Partnerships Driving Sustainability Forward

Sustainable 9 deepened its commitment to high-performance homebuilding through key collaborations with industry innovators.

Hempitecture: Introduced HempWool insulation during the Summer Artisan Home Tour to showcase carbon-reducing materials that elevate both sustainability and indoor comfort.
All Energy Solar: Partnered to provide homeowner education on the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy and long-term grid independence.
EcoSmart Stud: Collaborated on a high-performance build in Edina, utilizing advanced framing technology to reduce thermal bridging and enhance structural integrity.
Future-Forward Education: Developed specialized content with sustainability-focused vendors to empower homeowners to make informed, eco-conscious investment decisions.

Awards & Recognition

We were honored to receive the 2025 Green Path Leadership Award, a distinction that recognizes our commitment to building "beyond code". By prioritizing measurable energy efficiency and superior home performance, we provide our homeowners with long-term value and peace of mind. This award reflects our core dedication to transparency, sustainable innovation, and the creation of homes designed to perform exceptionally for generations.

And That's A Wrap

As we close the chapter on 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for the clients, partners, and team members who continue to fuel our passion for building thoughtful, modern, and sustainable homes. This year’s achievements, from groundbreaking new builds to celebrated tour features, innovative partnerships, and the honor of the 2025 Green Path Leadership Award, reflect our commitment to pushing the industry forward. With momentum and inspiration guiding us, we look ahead to 2026 with excitement for the homes we’ll create, the relationships we’ll build, and the continued pursuit of excellence that defines Sustainable 9.