Todd Talbot Builds: The Passive House Project

Todd and his wife, Rebecca, face challenges when a windstorm blocks the road; architect Monty Wood and designer Ami McKay begin laying the foundation for the high-tech A-frame.

To comply with environmental regulations, Todd and his crew reroute the property's access road; Todd calculates where the foundation will be with help from structural engineer Jim Mandelli.

Disaster befalls a crew member just as the Talbots start working with Ami to make their design selections; Todd buttons up for the winter before an atmospheric river wreaks havoc and materials for the A-frame get delayed.

The Talbots celebrate the A-frame's progress on Todd's 50th birthday as they vow to learn from last summer's disasters; the home's space-age insulation goes in before Todd realises that no contractor is willing to take on his ultra-steep roof.

Witness a miracle as a social media callout nets a roofer who can handle the steep angle; get a shock when the special, made-in-Poland windows won't fit down the drive, then feel the satisfaction when everything comes together before winter arrives.

Buzz around as the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems go in, and marvel at the home's passive powers. Reflect on the beauty of a job well done and on the importance of working with the right people as the final design comes together.