High Performance Home Builders in Southwest Colorado
Design-build craftsmanship meets building science. We create energy efficient, sustainable homes built for life in the Colorado mountains.
Building Better Homes for Southwest Colorado
Positive Design Build started with a simple conviction: the homes people live in shouldn't waste energy, compromise air quality, or fall apart after twenty years.
When Mark Boscacci moved to Pagosa Springs, he saw a gap between what modern building science could achieve and what was actually being built in Southwest Colorado. Conventional construction methods left homeowners dealing with drafty rooms, ice dams, and heating bills that climbed every winter. There had to be a better way.
That's why he founded Positive Design Build — to bring passive house design principles and energy efficient building practices to the Durango and Pagosa Springs communities. As a high performance home builder, every project starts with the science: understanding the site, the climate, and how the building envelope needs to perform at 7,000+ feet of elevation.
Our design-build model means one team handles everything from initial sketches to final inspection. No finger-pointing between architect and contractor. No value-engineering away the details that make a home actually perform. When we draw a continuous insulation detail, we build a continuous insulation detail.
Today, we serve homeowners across La Plata County, Archuleta County, and the surrounding mountain communities. Whether it's a custom home on the San Juan River or a renovation in downtown Durango, we bring the same commitment to quality, sustainability, and honest craftsmanship. Every home is tested, verified, and built to last generations — not just meet code.
Sustainable Builder for the Colorado Climate
Building sustainably in the mountains isn't a marketing slogan — it's a practical necessity. Our approach reduces environmental impact while creating homes that thrive in Colorado's demanding climate.
Intelligent Design & Materials
Every project begins with material selection that reduces environmental impact without sacrificing performance. We spec low-VOC finishes, sustainably harvested lumber, and recycled-content insulation as our baseline — not as an upgrade. Our relationships with regional suppliers in the Durango area mean shorter supply chains and lower embodied carbon.
Healthy Indoor Environments
Your home's air quality matters as much as its energy performance. We use green housing materials that off-gas minimally — from formaldehyde-free cabinetry to zero-VOC paints. Combined with our ERV ventilation systems, the result is indoor air that's cleaner than what you'll breathe outside, even during wildfire season in Southwest Colorado.
Water & Energy Conservation
Southwest Colorado's semi-arid climate demands thoughtful water management. We design homes with greywater-ready plumbing, low-flow fixtures, and coordinate xeriscaping plans that work with native plants. Every build includes solar-ready infrastructure — conduit, panel space, and electrical provisions — so adding photovoltaics is simple whether you install at build or later.
Renewable Energy Integration
As a sustainable builder, we design homes that are ready for renewable energy from day one. Roof pitches optimized for solar gain, electrical systems pre-wired for battery storage, and mechanical rooms sized for heat pump equipment. Several of our Pagosa Springs and Bayfield builds have achieved net-zero energy performance — producing as much energy as they consume annually.
Technical Excellence: Passive House & Energy Efficiency
High performance building isn't about gadgets or gimmicks. It's applied physics — controlling heat, air, and moisture to create homes that perform predictably for decades.
Airtight, Super-Insulated Envelopes
The building envelope is everything. We construct walls, roofs, and foundations as continuous, unbroken thermal barriers using advanced building science. Our assemblies achieve R-40+ walls and R-60+ roofs — far exceeding Colorado code minimums. Every seam, penetration, and transition is sealed and tested. The result is a home that holds its temperature like a thermos, whether it's -20°F in January or 95°F in July on the Animas Valley floor.
Energy Recovery Ventilation
An airtight home needs mechanical ventilation — and our ERV systems deliver it without wasting energy. These units recover 80-90% of the heat from outgoing stale air and transfer it to incoming fresh air. For our Durango and Pagosa Springs builds, this means continuous fresh air circulation without the energy penalty of opening windows in winter. The result is energy efficient building that also delivers superior indoor air quality year-round.
Thermal Bridge-Free Construction
Standard framing creates thermal bridges — direct paths for heat to escape through studs, headers, and sill plates. In a conventional home, these bridges can account for 20-30% of total heat loss. Our construction eliminates them with continuous exterior insulation, engineered thermal break connectors at balconies and foundations, and optimized framing layouts that use 15-20% less lumber while maintaining full structural capacity.
Strategic Solar Design
Window placement in a passive house design isn't aesthetic guesswork — it's calculated engineering. We model solar heat gain for every elevation, optimizing south-facing glazing to capture free winter heat while designing overhangs and exterior shading that block summer sun. In Pagosa Springs, where we get over 300 days of sunshine, this passive solar strategy can offset 30-40% of annual heating load without any mechanical equipment.
The Design-Build Advantage
One team. One vision. From first sketch to move-in day, your project stays in the hands of people who designed it.
Design Together
We start with your site, your goals, and the mountain climate. Every design decision accounts for solar orientation, prevailing winds, views, and energy performance — not just aesthetics.
Build with Precision
The same team that drew the details installs them. No miscommunication between designer and builder. Airtightness targets, insulation continuity, and material specs are executed exactly as designed.
Test & Verify
Every home undergoes blower door testing, infrared thermography, and mechanical system commissioning. We don't guess — we measure. You get documented proof your home performs as promised.
This integrated approach is why our builds consistently outperform conventional construction by 50% or more on energy efficiency — and why our clients in Durango, Pagosa Springs, and Bayfield recommend us to their neighbors.
Meet the Builder
Design and construction expertise under one roof — that's the Positive Design Build difference.
Mark Boscacci
Founder & Lead Designer-Builder
Mark founded Positive Design Build to bring high-performance building science to Southwest Colorado's mountain communities. With years leading custom home projects across La Plata and Archuleta Counties, he combines architectural design with hands-on construction expertise. Mark's passion for passive house principles and sustainable materials drives every project — from initial site analysis on a Pagosa Springs lot to final blower door testing. His design-build approach eliminates the gaps between architect and contractor, delivering homes that perform exactly as designed.
Credentials
Specializations
What Our Customers Say
"Louis Garday, Sr Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 Re: Positive Design - Mark Positiviata December 23, 2025 What I immediately learned when we first started renovating my 4,000 sf log home was that above and beyond everything else, MARK IS A CRAFTSMAN AND PROFESSIONAL in the truest meaning of those words. His work for the planned 10 months was all completed in several diverse areas, on time, on budget, adding a professional flair whenever possible, such that I can easily claim that his skill and craftsman like work on every aspect of the engagement, including concrete and tile work, fine detailed carpentry, building a new 30’ by 20’ TREX deck, electrical work, safety grab bars and plumbing, repairs of metal roof, painting and drywall, landscaping, and a complete home Code evaluation and corrective action. His professional work easily yielded an increase of my home's value at double what I spent on the project. That ROI clearly will show up if/when I sell the house in 2026 or beyond. In a highly confident and in an unqualified manner I strongly recommend Positive Design and Mark to anyone needing all manner of home construction from a true professional and frankly a nice guy. Louis J Garday Sr. More Background information: Sometimes you get lucky. I was introduced to Mark at a dinner in late 2024 and the conversation turned to the details of the multi-faceted work I needed need to renovate and upgrade my 4,000 sf home on ten acres preparatory to selling it in the Spring of 2026 (my best estimate at the time for the optimum timing to sell based on the political/economic chaos brought on by Fed, the then current administration and pending tax law changes during the four years ending in January 2025). I have a lifetime and some 50 years' experience in the construction and real property development businesses, know the trades and have built or developed multiple commercial properties and was impressed with his knowledge during our dinner. The following Monday I received a call from Mark asking if he could walk my property with me and organize my thoughts on what I characterized as extensive work. What followed was a long and detailed survey he compiled of what was needed to remodel and reposition a 30-year-old valuable and custom log home and natural 10-acre landscape of some 200 Ponderosa Pine Trees, surrounded by the San Juan National Forest. Mark made extensive notes and revisited me a few days later, with a detailed proposal, cost estimates, a few new ideas to maximize what I had in place, a time and materials schedule, work timing and scheduling (what us old time real estate guys call a PERT Chart). This being a new relationship and having just met Mark, I agreed to bite off the first phase immediately and Mark began the (bring it up to Code phase) the following Monday in December 2024. Work began immediately and he moved his equipment into my carport and began working. I need not have worried about Mark and the process. He did a great job from Day through the completion. Louis J Garday Sr. Pagosa Springs, CO 81147"
Louis
2025-12-23
"Mark remolded our home when we bought it to perfection!!! He built a corner fireplace; a new kitchen with built in cabinet with glass doors and lights for displays. We have the most amazing master bath as he built a round shower stall, walkin with 5 shower heads, a seat and all done in glass bricks. The window is all glass bricks to let the light in with an open small window at the top to let steam out and fresh air in if wanted. A beautiful tile inlaid floor rhat is heated as wanted that he designed. Many people have come to look at it and he built several more!! He comes to fix anything or make something better when ever he is needed. He builds remarkable original things which he designs to fit the space and to last for ever! He is an artist and a very talented guy!!! I would not have anyone else do the kind of work Mark does!! Leslie Hawkinson"
Leslie
2025-12-12
"Mark of Positive Design Build did a total remodel on a rental property I own. The property was rented for over 13 yrs to the former tenant and it was sorely in need of repairs & overall updating. He did a fabulous job & it looked like a new home!! All new kitchen, new wiring, a lot of new plumbing, new bathroom tub surround, new vanity & lighting , all new paint, floors refinished & new door locks & some new doors for closets & exterior doors. I was very pleased with his hard work & the finished project."
Kelly
2025-12-16
"Mark did a great job!!! He brought creativity and imagination to a job , where I did not see the possibilities. His experience added great skill and forethought in to designing my mudroom and bathroom. I highly recommend Mark Posiviata for whatever you need to do...."
Bill
2025-12-28
"4.5 stars - Mark Posiviata at Positive Design Build LLC did a beautiful job designing and building my laundry/mudroom. The cabinets, bench, and countertop are absolutely stunning, and the craftsmanship is truly top-notch. The quality of work and attention to detail really show — the space is both functional and gorgeous. Design-wise, Mark was excellent to work with. He listened carefully, offered great ideas/suggestions, and delivered a final result that exceeded my expectations. I’m thrilled with how the room turned out and receive compliments on it all the time. The only area for slight improvement would be communication and coordination with contractors during the process, which could have been smoother at times. That said, the end result was well worth it. I would absolutely recommend Mark and Positive Design Build LLC for anyone looking for high-quality custom work and thoughtful design."
Jules
2025-12-05
Common Questions About High Performance Building
Answers from our team based on years of building in Southwest Colorado.
What is a passive house and how does it work in Colorado?
A passive house is a building designed to achieve extreme energy efficiency through airtight construction, continuous insulation, and high-performance triple-pane windows. Here in Southwest Colorado, passive house principles are especially effective because they maintain consistent indoor comfort even when Pagosa Springs temperatures drop well below zero. Our builds use Energy Recovery Ventilation to deliver fresh mountain air without losing heat, and strategic south-facing window placement captures free solar heat during our 300+ days of sunshine.
What are the best sustainable house materials for mountain homes?
For mountain construction in Durango and Pagosa Springs, we rely on ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) for foundations and walls — they provide exceptional insulation and stand up to our freeze-thaw cycles. We source reclaimed timber from regional suppliers whenever possible, reducing both carbon footprint and cost. Our wall assemblies use low-embodied carbon materials like mineral wool and recycled-content insulation, and we spec FSC-certified lumber for all framing. Every material choice balances durability at altitude with minimal environmental impact.
How much can I save with energy efficient home construction?
Our clients in La Plata and Archuleta Counties typically see 60-80% reductions in heating and cooling costs compared to code-built homes. Over a 30-year mortgage, that translates to $50,000-$120,000 in utility savings depending on home size. Energy efficient construction also reduces maintenance costs since high-quality building envelopes experience less moisture damage and wear. Many of our builds qualify for federal energy tax credits and local utility rebates, and homes built to passive house standards consistently appraise 10-15% higher than comparable conventional builds.
Do you use green housing materials for every project?
Yes — every Positive Design Build project starts from a high-performance baseline that includes low-VOC finishes, sustainably sourced lumber, and recycled-content insulation. From there, we tailor material selections to each client's sustainability goals and budget. We prioritize sourcing from Colorado and regional suppliers to reduce transportation impact, and we maintain relationships with local mills in the Durango area for reclaimed and salvaged wood. Our health-first approach means every interior finish is chosen for both durability and indoor air quality.
What makes you a high performance home builder?
High performance building starts with building science — understanding exactly how heat, air, and moisture move through a structure. We design and verify every detail, from foundation to ridge. Every home we build undergoes blower door testing to confirm airtightness, and we use infrared thermography to identify and eliminate thermal defects before drywall goes up. The result is a home that maintains even temperatures room to room, delivers exceptional indoor air quality, and stands up to decades of Colorado mountain weather with minimal maintenance.
How do you handle thermal bridging in cold climates?
Thermal bridging — where heat escapes through structural framing — is one of the biggest energy losses in conventional construction. We address it with continuous exterior insulation that wraps the entire building envelope without interruption. At critical junctions like foundations, rim joists, and window headers, we install engineered structural thermal breaks. Our advanced framing techniques reduce lumber in walls by 15-20% while maintaining structural integrity, which means fewer paths for heat to escape during Pagosa Springs winters.
Are sustainable homes more expensive to build?
Building to passive house standards typically adds 5-15% to upfront construction costs compared to a conventional code-built home. However, the life-cycle economics strongly favor high-performance building — our clients recoup the premium within 7-10 years through reduced utility bills alone. As a design-build firm, we integrate efficiency into the architectural design from day one rather than adding it as an afterthought, which keeps costs significantly lower than retrofit approaches. Colorado also offers green building incentives, and many lenders provide favorable terms for energy efficient construction.
What energy efficient building certifications do you follow?
We build to Passive House principles as our performance benchmark — the most rigorous energy efficiency standard in residential construction. All our homes meet or exceed Energy Star certification requirements, and we design to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home standards when clients want that designation. Beyond certifications, we follow a performance-based approach: every home is tested and verified with blower door and duct blaster testing to confirm real-world results match our design targets. Our builds consistently outperform Colorado energy code by 50% or more.
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Ready to Build Your High-Performance Mountain Home?
Let's talk about your project. From passive house design to sustainable materials, we'll help you build the home Southwest Colorado deserves.