Design Build LLC + Steven Brown Architect

12/18/2025

Last month marked 40 years since opening my architecture and construction firm. I still love the work and wouldn't give it up, a blessing. So it was time to launch out and design, build, and offer for sale the vision project no client has embraced: an innovative Net Zero Energy home. There are over 50,000 homes for sale within 50 miles of Philadelphia. How many Net Zero Energy homes can you buy? Only two: this one, and the one we're building next door.

04/06/2025

We're happy to announce these two wonderful Net Zero Energy homes are listed for sale. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3609-Gradyville-Rd-Newtown-Square-PA-19073/352332534_zpid/

08/20/2024

Our research shows that our two Net Zero Energy (NZE) homes are the ONLY such homes for sale in Southeast Pennsylvania, maybe the entire Delaware Valley. So maybe we shouldn't be surprised that the question we are asked the most is "What do you mean by Net Zero Energy"? With all the talk about energy, the environment, and the fragile nature of our energy future and energy policy, we are hoping to make an impact with NZE.

We have prepared this "What is Net Zero Energy" web page to try to give an overview of the concept. There are tremendous financial benefits in addition to the quality, comfort, and security of an NZE home. Including:
> $10,400 less energy per year compared to a current code-built home,
> $480,000 in future value over 20 years
> $134,000 more in purchasing power over a conventional home when lenders factor PIE (principal + interest + energy payments)
> $55,000 in Federal Tax credits.
https://designbuildllc.squarespace.com/what-is-nze

We are an architecture and construction company specializing in design build projects.

04/28/2024

Zero Energy Homes LLC is offering these two new homes for sale: Net Zero Energy, contemporary open plan, 5 bedrooms with 6 and seven bedroom options, 100% handicapped accessibility, In-laws suite options, courtyard design, one and two home office options.

08/01/2023

The indoor pool is a good place to see how the systems that serve the house are composed into a final design. http://designbuildllc.com/zer-home-construction/2023/7/31/utilities-rough-in

04/20/2023

The construction of this Net Zero Energy home's green walls is underway. They are a visual feature that cools the house as well, using the drip irrigation system as a chiller. Others have discussed the idea, but I've never seen it constructed. A first?
http://designbuildllc.com/zer-home-construction

02/22/2023

As roofing goes on and the shell's rough steel and framing are complete, it's a good day to see how far we've come. click thru to gallery below...

http://designbuildllc.com/zer-home-construction/2023/2/22/22223-progress-photos-2

12/31/2022

The structural steel is complete and the final walls and roofs are commencing
designbuildllc.com/zer-home-construction/2022/12/30/steel-framing-complete-wood-commences