Business Details
24 Years
experience
Sustainable Custom Home Building Experts in Northern California
At Earth Bound Homes, we are dedicated to redefining residential construction through sustainable building practices and innovative design. Since our founding in 2002, we have specialized in creating custom homes and Passive House-certified projects that prioritize health, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Our team collaborates with top architects across Northern California to deliver homes that are not only luxurious and durable but also aligned with rigorous green building standards. As a certified B-Corp, we are committed to social and environmental responsibility, ensuring every project benefits homeowners, communities, and the planet. Our proprietary Pre-Construction Process minimizes budget overruns while maximizing transparency, and our focus on non-toxic materials and advanced building science sets us apart in the industry.With decades of combined experience, our team of experts brings technical precision and creative problem-solving to every project, from new builds to large-scale remodels. We believe in building relationships as strong as our structures, fostering trust through open communication and exceptional client service. Our mission is to craft spaces that enhance quality of life while reducing ecological footprints, ensuring homes are as sustainable as they are beautiful. Through continuous innovation and a dedication to excellence, we strive to be leaders in the movement toward healthier, more resilient living environments.
Services
Passive House Construction
Custom Home Building
Sustainable Remodeling
Green Building Consulting
B Corp Certified Services
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We are Northern California's leading Passive House builder with 20+ years of specialized experience.
- Our B Corp certification reflects our commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
- Proprietary Pre-Construction Process reduces budget overruns by 90% through rigorous analysis.
- Team includes EMU Passive House Organization-certified experts with 20+ years of building science training.
- We exclusively use non-toxic materials vetted against the Living Building Challenge Red List.
Associations and certifications
- B-Lab
What people say
Energy savings exceeded expectations
Exceptional communication throughout process
Non-toxic materials improved family health
Passive House expertise unparalleled
Transparent budgeting prevented overruns
Services
Passive House Construction
We specialize in Passive House-certified construction, creating homes that use 90% less energy for heating and cooling. Our buildings feature advanced insulation, airtight envelopes, and heat recovery ventilation systems. These structures maintain consistent indoor temperatures while eliminating drafts and reducing noise pollution. Clients benefit from lower utility bills, improved air quality, and long-term durability.
Custom Home Building
Our custom home builds combine architectural innovation with sustainable materials. We work closely with clients to create personalized spaces that meet exact specifications. Projects include site analysis, material selection, and systems integration for optimal performance. Each home balances aesthetic appeal with functional efficiency, ensuring lasting value and comfort.
Sustainable Remodeling
We transform existing homes into high-performance spaces through eco-friendly remodeling. Services include crawlspace sealing, insulation upgrades, and non-toxic material replacements. Our approach minimizes waste while improving energy efficiency. Remodels often incorporate all-electric systems and renewable energy sources for reduced environmental impact.
Pre-Construction Process
Our proprietary Pre-Construction Process ensures cost transparency and design optimization. We conduct geotechnical assessments, building envelope evaluations, and material vetting. Detailed specifications and budget breakdowns prevent surprises during construction. This phase typically reduces change orders by 90% while aligning projects with Passive House standards.
B Corp Certified Services
As a certified B Corp, we guarantee socially responsible practices. Our supply chain prioritizes local, women-owned, and minority-operated businesses. We maintain strict environmental standards throughout construction. Clients receive documentation verifying non-toxic materials and sustainable sourcing practices for complete transparency.
People
David
Founder + CEO
David leads Earth Bound Homes with a PhD in Environmental Science and 25 years of sustainable building experience. He pioneered the company's Pre-Construction Process and maintains technical oversight of all projects. His expertise in Passive House standards ensures every home meets rigorous performance criteria while exceeding client expectations.
Bella Babot
Partner + GM
Bella oversees operations and client relations with 18 years in green construction. She manages the Pre-Construction team and develops material safety protocols. Her leadership in eliminating toxic chemicals from building products has positioned Earth Bound Homes as an industry innovator in healthy home design.
Jair
Director of Production
Jair supervises all construction projects with 22 years of field experience. He ensures adherence to Passive House standards during build phases. His team manages complex remodels and new constructions, maintaining strict quality control throughout the building process.
Kristen
PreConstruction Manager
Kristen leads early project development with 15 years in sustainable architecture. She conducts site analyses and cost evaluations to optimize designs before construction. Her technical expertise in building science ensures energy efficiency from the project's foundation.
Francisco
Site Superintendent
Francisco manages on-site operations with 20 years of construction leadership. He oversees crew coordination and quality assurance for Passive House projects. His attention to detail ensures compliance with the strictest building performance standards during execution.
Questions
What makes Earthbound Homes different from other builders?
We specialize in Passive House-certified construction with B Corp ethical standards. Our Pre-Construction Process reduces budget risks by 90% while guaranteeing non-toxic materials and energy performance.
Do you work on remodels or only new homes?
We handle both large-scale remodels (over 1,000 sq ft) and custom new builds. Our expertise includes transforming existing homes into high-performance spaces through sustainable renovations.
How do you ensure indoor air quality?
We eliminate toxic chemicals by vetting all materials against the Living Building Challenge Red List. Our construction process prohibits products containing formaldehyde, VOCs, and other harmful substances.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout Northern California's Bay Area, including San Jose, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Santa Cruz County. Our focus remains exclusively on local residential projects.
Are your homes eligible for green building incentives?
Yes, our Passive House constructions qualify for state and federal energy efficiency rebates. We assist clients in navigating incentive programs to maximize financial benefits.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Karen Elvrecht
Feb 17, 2020
Report
One of the most professional firms with integrity and ethics almost unheard of in their industry. I absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for a builder who goes the extra mile, has a team of the best and brightest, cares for community, locally and globally and who is transparent in their project costing, fees and profit. First rate experience.
