IDYLE Named a 2026 Downtown Raleigh Alliance Imprint Award Winner
Chappell [Powered by Compass] is proud to announce that IDYLE was awarded a 2026 Imprint Award by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance. Downtown Raleigh's first net-zero-energy (NZE) ready townhome collection was recognized for its sustainable building innovation, solar-powered design and lasting community impact.
IDYLE – Recipient of the 2026 Imprint Award Presented by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance
The annual Imprint Awards celebrate development projects that make a significant impact on Downtown Raleigh's continued growth, design and vitality. IDYLE was formally recognized on Wednesday, Aug. 26, during the State of Downtown Raleigh event at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.
Located at 501 S. Bloodworth St., IDYLE introduces 10 high-performance green homes offering four distinct townhome plans, that pair modern urban design with advanced energy-efficient building systems. The three- to four-bedroom townhomes offer more than 2,700 square feet, 3.5 baths, private rooftop patios and preinstalled solar panels as standard features. The luxury home collection also incorporates EV-ready infrastructure, expandable solar arrays, optional Tesla Powerwall battery storage and real-time at-home energy monitoring courtesy of Southern Energy Management.
Pictured (left to right): Will Gaskins, Vice President of Economic Development & Planning for the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, alongside Chappell’s Maggie Sparling, Vice President of Land Acquisition, and Charles Umstead, Vice President of Developer Services, accepting the 2026 Imprint Award.
“We are proud to help pioneer this kind of residential inventory in Downtown Raleigh.
These green homes give buyers greater control over their energy use while adding thoughtful design and lasting value to the city we all share.”
— Johnny Chappell, Owner/Founder of Chappell & IDYLE Development Team Member
"IDYLE proves that exceptional architecture, solar energy and sustainable building performance can work together without compromise," said Johnny Chappell, Owner/Broker of Chappell and development team member behind IDYLE.
"We are proud to help pioneer this kind of residential inventory in Downtown Raleigh. These green homes give buyers greater control over their energy use while adding thoughtful design and lasting value to the city we all share. We're thrilled to celebrate this achievement with our collaborators and thank them for their dedication. We also appreciate the recognition from the Downtown Raleigh Alliance as we continue to shape the city's evolving skyline."
A NEW BENCHMARK FOR Green HOMES IN THE UNITED STATES
IDYLE was designed to reduce household energy demand first, then use rooftop solar panels to fuel production and state-of-the-art Tesla Powerwalls to offset the remaining consumption.
Following a comprehensive energy plan review, on-site inspections, and installation of a rooftop solar system by Southern Energy Management, 511 S. Bloodworth St., Unit 105, earned a Home Energy Rating System score of 0 on the HERS Index. The result indicates that the residence is projected to produce as much energy as it consumes annually.
The achievement established IDYLE as Raleigh's first net-zero-energy certified townhome collection and demonstrates what is possible when green building, energy-efficient systems and solar-home technology are considered from the earliest stages of residential development.
"Designing IDYLE Townhomes is a timely opportunity to rethink the way building design can enhance the spaces and places we occupy while reducing our energy demands and impact on our natural environment. Innovative building performance strategies, electricity-generating solar arrays, energy-efficient systems and appliances, expressive architectural elements, and naturally lit interior spaces all contribute to a net-zero-capable living environment. Generous visual connections to downtown Raleigh extend the experience, reminding the user of the location's walkability to transportation, entertainment, and outdoor recreation," said Robby Johnston, AIA, principal of The Raleigh Architecture Company.
ABOUT NET-ZERO ENERGY (NZE) Home DESIGNATIONS
IDYLE’s first fully Net-Zero-Energy Certified townhome—scoring a HERS rating of 0—has already been delivered, complete with ENERGY STAR and Indoor AirPlus certifications.
Home features evaluated throughout design and construction as part of the Net-Zero Certification, ENERGY STAR Certification, and Indoor AirPlus Certification include:
Verification of high-performance insulation and air-sealing strategies
Superior hot water delivery systems
Advanced, high-efficiency heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
Low-emission, healthier building materials
Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances
Solar-ready, electric vehicle-ready, and heat pump water heater-ready capabilities
Eco-forward features include solar-ready infrastructure, EV charging capabilities, Tesla Powerwall integration, and advanced ventilation systems. Together, these systems reduce emissions, enhance indoor air quality and create healthier, more resilient living environments.
Aerial View of the First Move-in-Ready Rooftop Townhomes at IDYLE, Downtown Raleigh Homes for Sale
Ultimately, all three designations speak to the quality of life available at IDYLE, showcasing an environment that is more comfortable and, in terms of energy use and environmental impact, less costly than the average new-construction home.
According to Southern Energy, IDYLE units are projected to use half as much electricity as a standard all-electric NC home and are able to maintain comfort without major lifestyle adjustments. With NC energy costs rising, IDYLE’s passively powered systems can help lower monthly utility bills and compound into significant long-term savings.
IDYLE’s revolutionary design goes beyond energy efficiency to embrace self-sufficiency. Annually, these high-tech townhomes can offset a future homebuyer's carbon footprint and nearly eliminate their dependence on traditional energy sources and expensive utilities. For homeowners investing in IDYLE’s full NZE capabilities, the cost of being connected to the city’s power grid is the only power bill to anticipate.
Beyond economic impact, the benefits of an NZE home are not just seen; they are felt by the homebuyer. Every purchase of an IDYLE home comes with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected against potential health risks such as moisture/mold exposure, pest infestations, and other harmful environmental pollutants.
About the NZE-ready downtown Raleigh Homes for sale
IDYLE, located at 501 S Bloodworth Street, is pioneering a new era of eco-friendly residential development in the Triangle area. With four residences claimed and six available with various plan options starting from $1.1M, IDYLE offers homebuyers the opportunity to live in a home that produces more energy than it consumes.
The collection offers four distinct plans boasting 3-4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and varying in square footage, starting from 2,700+ sqft. While the layouts of the residences vary by plan, the cutting-edge collection includes cohesive contemporary styling, rooftop patios with DTR skyline views, and pre-installed solar panels.
Explore the Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s recap of the 2026 State of Downtown, including IDYLE’s Imprint Award recognition.
Positioned in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, IDYLE pairs modern metro convenience with sustainable design. Walkable access to restaurants, concert venues and cultural amenities makes it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a lifestyle that’s both connected and future-ready.
The Imprint Awards are presented annually by The Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to continuously revitalizing Downtown Raleigh while striving to enhance its overall quality of life and contribute to its economic success.
The 2026 State of Downtown event, held on August 26th at the Raleigh Convention Center, brought together business leaders and community stakeholders across the state to celebrate a year of growth and economic achievement in Oak City. Chappell’s Maggie Sparling, Vice President of Land Acquisition, and Charles Umstead, Vice President of Developer Services, attended to accept the award on behalf of the IDYLE development team.
The annual event provides a comprehensive business overview of Raleigh's Central Business District (CBD) to inform and facilitate potential partnerships with investors and real estate professionals. Attendees receive a printed copy of the State of Downtown Raleigh report, which outlines key market trends impacting downtown's economy and is a valuable resource for investors and the community to stay informed about downtown's growth and success.
Chappell [Powered by Compass] is the real estate broker for IDYLE. The Raleigh Architecture Company is handling the architecture, The Raleigh Construction Company and Concept 8 are completing construction, Jenn Cobb of Verity Design Studio contributed to the project’s interior design, and Southern Energy Management NC is validating the development’s NZE capabilities. Rich Paravella of Prime Lending is the preferred lender for the project, while Mann, McGibney & Jordan, PLLC, is the preferred attorney. DevPointe is the developer.
For more information on IDYLE Raleigh, visit IDYLEraleigh.com or contact 919.877.6647. For a full look at the community’s sustainability specs and FAQs, visit IDYLEraleigh.com/about.
Aerial of IDYLE at Twilight in Downtown Raleigh
About Chappell [Powered by Compass]
Chappell [Powered by Compass] is a team of doers and creators pushing the bounds of expected real estate to deliver an exceptional experience. As one of the best residential real estate firms in the greater Raleigh, Durham, & Triangle areas, we are a team of knowledgeable experts who bring years of insight and expertise to every interaction. We’re proudly powered by Compass, the best boutique brokerage in the country. Tech-driven with tools and resources to ignite any listing or project, we invite you to experience real estate differently – whether it’s buying, building, or selling.
About Southern Energy Management
Based in Raleigh, NC, Southern Energy Management (SEM) is a building science and solar energy firm specializing in rooftop solar, building performance, and sustainability consulting. Since 2001, SEM has installed 15+ megawatts of solar across 3,500 homes and verified over 250,000+ ENERGY STAR and green-certified properties. A Certified B Corp since 2009, SEM believes in a triple bottom mission of people, planet, and purpose and was named a Best Place to Work in 2024.