Let’s be honest for a moment. You’re here because you care. You want to build a home that doesn’t just shelter your family, but also aligns with your values. You want to do right by the planet, create a healthy living space, and leave a positive impact. But as you start your research, you’re hit … Read more
A few conversations we’ve had from the Ice Box Challenge. The Ice Box Challenge at the Cincinnati Homearama has been an incredible experience. We set up two small structures in the sweltering sun: one built to standard building code, and one built to rigorous Passive House standards. Inside each, we placed a large block of … Read more
Every so often, a piece of land presents an opportunity that transcends mere construction. We’ve found such a place—an easily buildable lot whose true value lies not in its soil, but in its context. A Canvas for the Unconventional: A Unique Lot Awaits Your Vision This lot is nestled between two stunningly different neighbors: a … Read more
Cincinnati’s summer heat is no joke, and as climate change brings warmer temperatures, finding sustainable and effective ways to keep our homes cool is more important than ever. That’s why Trilobite Design is thrilled to announce our collaboration with AIA Cincinnati for this year’s Ice Box Challenge at Cincinnati Homearama! This isn’t your typical home … Read more
In real estate development, we often hunt for hidden gems—parcels with unique potential that require a bit of vision to unlock. While I love a challenging project, sometimes the most exciting opportunities are the ones staring you right in the face. This is one of those times. The combined lot at 4050 Colerain Avenue in … Read more
This parcel popped up with a price change in my feed, and the listing specifically says “Listed at a fraction of the cost of similar parcels in the area.” Often that just means that a seller is motivated, but sometimes there’s something more complicated about the site that has been keeping it from closing. I … Read more
Are you tired of feeling chilly drafts in the winter, despite cranking up the heat? Does your air conditioner seem to run constantly in the summer just to keep the house comfortable? The real culprit might be something you can’t see: air leakage. This uncontrolled escape of conditioned air from your home is a major … Read more
The Children’s Home of Cincinnati (formerly the Lakewood Baptist Church) is parceling out the north half of their property on Westwood Northern Blvd. 4.95 acres of wooded hillside and a huge urban lake. This one would be a super fun spot to build an eco home or compound on. Officially it’s in Green Township (Hamilton … Read more
When people hear the term “passive house,” (or passivhaus) they often think of passive solar design, which uses the sun to naturally heat a home. While harnessing the sun’s energy for free heat is a core principle, it’s not as simple as just letting all the sunlight in. In fact, a well-insulated, airtight home can … Read more
Contrary to the listing, locals know this isn’t Clifton. But it’s a super interesting spot in CUF. Behind the bustle of the University of Cincinnati and some student housing lies some neat hillside housing. This street is a good exampe of a bizarre Cincinnati urbanism enigma: it’s a street of nicely maintained, small, dense single … Read more