This month on The Ninth Edition: we’re starting the year off strong with tour announcements, sustainable design products, upcoming events, and new spec homes breaking ground in 2026. Hard hats on: The year ahead is going to be one for the books.

Located in the heart of Saint Paul’s vibrant Highland Bridge community, this custom home seamlessly blends sustainability and modern architecture. Expansive walls of glass frame sweeping views of the Mississippi River Valley, flooding the interiors with natural light throughout the day. The architecture was thoughtfully created by Strand Design, and with sustainability at its core via triple-pane windows, hemp-wool insulation, and solar panels, these features will maximize comfort, efficiency, and long-term performance for its future homeowners.

At the heart of the home is a tranquil interior courtyard, visible from multiple living spaces and accessible only from within, thereby offering a truly private outdoor retreat. Additional highlights include a cozy reading nook, a dedicated home office, rooftop decks, a private sauna, a relaxing hot tub, and a stylish wet bar — creating a home equally suited for entertaining and everyday living.

STEP INSIDE →

True luxury is built on smart decisions behind the walls. Our Minnehaha Creek Residence in Edina’s Chowen Park neighborhood highlights how strategic design and high-performance construction elevate both comfort and value.

This home has been energy-modeled from the start and features the 2×6 EcoSmart® Stud Original and the EcoSmart™ V2 Stud from EcoSmart Stud. The integrated thermal breaks in the framing allow for higher-performing insulation while keeping overall exterior wall costs competitive — delivering efficiency, comfort, and measurable long-term value for our clients.

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builders Show, happening February 17–19 in Orlando, Florida, is where the best of kitchen and bath design comes together with the latest in builder-focused techniques and technologies. Featuring bold materials, smart innovations, and the details that shape how we live every day, and with more than 650 exhibitors across nearly 500,000 square feet, it’s a hands-on look at what’s next in design and building. Our team will be on the ground exploring finishes, forms, and functionality—and we’ll be sharing our favorite finds, standout trends, and design inspiration along the way.

S9 is making waves in 2026 with an exciting partnership alongside Den Outdoors. Breaking ground in the next month, the Deephaven Den is a bold Scandinavian home just one block from Lake Minnetonka.

Defined by a dramatic roofline, soaring 23-foot ceilings, and a striking wall of west-facing windows for dramatic sunsets, this modern design seamlessly blurs the line between indoors and out. Open-concept living, a flexible loft space, and thoughtfully curated details create a home that feels both refined and effortless.

This home is available “For Sale” and provides you with options to customize the home to suit your lifestyle. The Deephaven Den home invites you to bring the outdoors in.

If you believe great homes start with great teams, we’d love your vote. Support Sustainable 9 in voting for them as the Best Custom Home Builder in the Twin Cities via Mpls-St.Paul’s Magazine!

Read up on industry trends, immerse yourself in captivating client stories, and gain valuable insights into upcoming events and much more.

We’ll help you build a custom home, breathe new life into your existing space, or transform a room with modern, elevated design — all backed by the same trusted expertise you’ve come to expect from Sustainable 9.

Until next time,

High impact design. Low impact development.