Saturday, April 25 | 11 am – 5:00 pm
IN PERSON!
Neighborhood: West Seattle
Site Description
The “house” on this site was originally built either as a goat or chicken barn on a 3-lot apple orchard.
The converted barn lacked stable craftsmanship and has been demolished to make way for three new, thoughtfully designed homes. This construction project emphasizes sensitive, sustainable design and the importance of how building better can enrich and diversify a neighborhood.
A “Smart” Building Envelope
A “smart” building envelope is crucial for a home’s long-term health. Every layer, from the exterior siding to the interior sheetrock, plays a vital role in the overall effectiveness of the envelope. In the core of our system is Rockwool insulation, made from spun basalt rock and recycled steel slag it has a lower overall carbon footprint than fiberglass and excels in heat retention, moisture control, mold and fire resistance, and soundproofing. All walls are air-sealed and fitted with vapor permeable smart membranes on both the interior and exterior to enhance energy performance while also allowing moisture to escape rather than get trapped. The exterior is clad in fiber cement board, a highly durable material with a lifespan over 40 years, minimizing maintenance and replacements.
Andersen’s 100 Series windows are made from Fibrex, a composite material that blends reclaimed wood waste from other window styles with polymers making Fibrex twice as strong as and more resistant to UV damage as vinyl, as well as superior in heat retention, moisture resistance, fire resistance, and soundproofing.
“Hybrid” Hot Water
Air-source heat pump technology is one of the most efficient methods to heat water. These Energy Star certified hot water heaters are considered a “hybrid” solution – as they are wifi-enabled with 5 operation modes — from the most energy efficient heat-pump only mode to standard electric resistant — to allow easy adjustments for the varying demands of home. Also provides audio and wifi alerts for leak detection or service needs.
Electric, Ducted Heat Pump System
Air-source heat pumps harness heat from the outside air and transfer it indoors, operating up to 3 to 5 times more efficiently than traditional fuel-based systems. By moving heat rather than generating it, heat pumps can maintain optimal indoor temperatures, as all air—whether hot or cold— contains heat. Powered entirely by electricity, heat pumps are an excellent energy source to pair with solar power, making them a sustainable choice for heating and cooling.
HRV
A Broan Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) is an energy-efficient air exchange system that transfers heat from outgoing air to incoming fresh air, reducing heating and cooling load. It’s Energy Star certified and boasts high efficiency, with some models reaching 80%. Additionally, Broan HRVs offer MERV 13 filtration, providing improved air quality by filtering out dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.
Healthy Indoor Finishes
- Infrared Radiant Ceiling Panels
- Selections for finishing the interior gives that individualized touch to each project. The collaboration of the homeowner, Lucy Johnson Interior Design, and MHC ensured those selections are not only high quality, but also low- or no-impact to the health of the indoor environment, including:
- Valinge hardwood flooring
- Locally-produced Canyon Creek cabinetry
- Tiled bathroom floor and shower surround
- Stain- and Heat-resistant quartz countertops
- Paints w/out Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Lots of natural light and supplemental 2700k LED lighting
Infrared Radiant Ceiling Panels
Heated by an electric infrared coil, these units radiate energy down — heating the people and objects in the room directly. Spaces warm up faster & stay warm longer with/ very little electricity. Zero duct work or maintenance needed. Dist. by MightyEnergy.net.