The Orchards at Orenco embody Reach Community Development’s vision to transform affordable housing through sustainability, energy efficiency, and long-term savings. When Reach purchased the two-acre site in 2011, the goal was to create not just affordable housing, but a sustainable, energy-efficient community. The result is a three-phase development that has become a leader in the field, with Phase I being North America's largest Passive House-certified project at the time of completion. Designed to be transit-oriented and energy-efficient, Orchards at Orenco follows Passive House standards to lower costs for residents across rent, utilities, and transportation. The redesign of Phase II saved Reach $1 million while maintaining high energy-efficiency standards, and Phase III addresses affordable family housing needs with the same sustainable approach. The master plan focuses on environmental stewardship, preserving mature trees and integrating the site into the community. Phase III centers on a park-like setting with preserved oak and chestnut trees, with the heritage horse chestnut tree protected by splitting the development into two buildings connected by a skybridge. The design incorporates brick exteriors, wood detailing, and trellises to reflect the local character. Inside, residents enjoy homes with 100% fresh air, reduced noise from nearby light rail, and high construction quality that reduces moisture risks. Solar panels provide on-site energy, lowering utility bills and enabling long-term maintenance savings. As the largest Passive House certified in North American, this development sets a new standard for affordable housing and continues to inspire the adoption of Passive House and other ultra-low energy concepts in future residential projects.