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Pura Vida High Performance Builders Pura Vida High Performance Builders
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Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Green Homes in Spokane
Founded in 2008, Pura Vida High Performance Builders is a Spokane, WA-based green construction company dedicated to merging traditional carpentry with cutting-edge Passive House energy modeling. Our mission focuses on creating energy-efficient, client-centered homes that align with the unique needs of the Inland Northwest. As one of the few PHIUS Certified Builders in North America, we prioritize craftsmanship, sustainability, and transparency in every project. Our team combines over a century of collective experience with a commitment to local partnerships, ensuring resources remain within the Spokane community. We specialize in passive commercial builds, strawbale construction, and high-performance design, delivering structures that reduce energy consumption by up to 90% compared to conventional builds.

Our process begins with collaborative consultations, followed by precision-driven construction and post-project support through customized owner manuals. Recognized for excellence, we completed the region's first PHIUS+ Certified Passive House in 2014. By adhering to Passive House principles, we deliver durable, thermally comfortable buildings with unmatched indoor air quality. Client testimonials highlight our integrity, problem-solving creativity, and ability to transform complex challenges into successful projects. We actively sponsor local initiatives like The Lands Council and Rebuilding Together Spokane, reinforcing our community-driven values.
Services
Passive House Construction Green Home Building Strawbale Construction High-Performance Design Commercial Passive Builds Energy-Efficient Carpentry
Details
  • Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
  • We are one of North Americas few teams with dual CPHC and PHIUS certifications.
  • Our builders have a century of combined carpentry experience.
  • We use Passive House standards to create 90% more energy-efficient structures.
  • We prioritize local partnerships to support the Spokane community.
  • We completed the regions first PHIUS+ Certified Passive House in 2014.
Associations and certifications
  • PHIUS Certified Builder
  • Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC)
What people say
Easy to work with Beautifully crafted Creative ideas overcame challenges Unmatched indoor air quality Transformed our dream into reality
Update Listing
Services
Passive House Construction
Our Passive House construction utilizes precise building science to create structures requiring 90% less energy for heating and cooling. We focus on superior insulation, airtight envelopes, and advanced ventilation systems. Clients benefit from lower utility costs, exceptional indoor air quality, and durable, future-ready buildings tailored to their specific needs.
Strawbale Construction
Strawbale homes combine eco-friendly materials with exceptional thermal performance. Using compressed straw for walls, we deliver high-insulation properties while supporting local agriculture. This method reduces environmental impact without compromising structural integrity or aesthetic appeal, ideal for clients seeking innovative, green living solutions.
High-Performance Design
Our high-performance design process integrates energy modeling and client collaboration to optimize building efficiency. We ensure every project achieves maximum energy savings through strategic material selection, solar orientation, and advanced construction techniques. Clients receive custom designs that balance sustainability with functional, beautiful spaces.
People
Gavin Tenold
Owner & General Contractor
Gavin combines carpentry expertise with PHIUS certification to lead Passive House projects. With over two decades in sustainable construction, he prioritizes client collaboration and precision, delivering energy-efficient builds that exceed industry standards.
Anne Grayhek Tenold
Owner
Anne focuses on community partnerships and nonprofit collaborations, aligning Pura Vidas mission with local sustainability efforts. Her work ensures clients receive builds that reflect environmental responsibility and regional craftsmanship.
Questions
What is a Passive House?
Passive House is a building standard that reduces energy use by up to 90% through superior insulation, airtight construction, and heat recovery ventilation systems.
Do you offer commercial building services?
Yes, we apply Passive House principles to commercial projects, delivering energy-efficient spaces tailored to business needs.
How do your green building methods benefit clients?
Our methods lower energy costs, improve indoor air quality, and create durable, sustainable structures that meet modern environmental standards.
Are you certified for high-performance builds?
We hold dual certifications as PHIUS Certified Builders and Certified Passive House Consultants, ensuring technical expertise in energy-efficient construction.
What areas do you serve?
We focus on Spokane and the broader Inland Northwest region, prioritizing local partnerships and community sustainability.
Reviews (4)
Teri Mathis
Mar 27, 2021 Report
Our experience with this builder was unsatisfactory. Some of the issues include: flaws in basic construction, significant deviations from the architect's plans, and what we consider to be substandard quality in finish work throughout. The project was significantly over budget and we did not feel that communication was timely, professional or transparent.
Kai Huschke
Dec 15, 2017 Report
Gavin's input, expertise, and craftsmanship were invaluable in getting my straw bale house to completion. Time has not faded my appreciation.
Jacolyn Green
Oct 25, 2017 Report
Built 9 years ago by Pure Vida our straw bale home continues to delight us with its comfort and beauty. Our utility bill savings are greater than we anticipated.
Sam Rodell
Apr 12, 2016 Report
Gavin Tenold, who heads Pura Vida Builders, is a highly talented and intelligent craftsman who approaches all matters with the highest integrity. He is a regional leader in forward thinking innovation, which his dual certifications as both a certified Passive House Builder and Certified Passive House Consultant bear witness to.