For David Gray Construction, the Webster Residence project presented some serious challenges, starting with the home's location on a steep bluff.
Geotech Consultants began by conducting a variety of studies of the site, including a natural resources inventory and review of the site development plan, which resulted in a protection and maintenance plan for priority natural resources during construction, along with a plan for preserving natural water and drainage features. All trees on the site were preserved and a certified arborist performed all pruning.
Vital Stats
|
Section
|
Points
|
Location: Seattle
Star Level: 4-Star
Checklist: Single-Family/Townhome
Verifier: Pam Worner, Green Dog Enterprises |
Site and Water |
124 |
Energy Efficiency |
121 |
Health and Indoor Air Quality |
107 |
Material Efficiency |
94 |
|
Total Score |
458 |
David Gray devoted equal care to reduce the home's energy use, starting with staggered-stud framing and BIB insulation. The space heating is hydronic radiant, produced using a Daikin Altherma air-to-water heat pump plus an evacuated-tube solar hot water system. A Lifebreath heat recovery ventilator ensures a steady supply of pre-conditioned fresh air. The radiant heating also improves the home's indoor air quality compared to a forced-air system, as does the total absence of carpet. To reduce the possibility of moisture problems caused by plumbing leaks, all distribution lines were kept out of exterior walls.
![David Gray Construction 4 Star Seattle Homebuilding](https://www.mbaks.com/sf_images/default-source/news-blog/built-green/case-studies/2018/05/david-gray-construction-4-star-seattle-(1).png)
Another challenge was to maximize the mobility of one of the homeowners, who uses a wheelchair. The front and garage entries are both stepless, as are all exterior grade changes. Both the guest and master bathrooms are fully accessible, and all doorways are at least 2-feet-10 wide. The home also features an elevator.
Thanks to careful planning and detailed execution of every aspect of this project, the Websters are now able to enjoy a beautiful home that fully meets their needs.
Built Green Highlights
Site and Water
- Measures to protect critical area/steep slope, including:
- Natural resources inventory by a qualified professional.
- Third-party review of the site development plan for critical areas and habitat protection.
- Protection and maintenance plan for priority natural resources during construction.
- Tree pruning by a certified arborist.
- Preservation of 100% of trees on-site.
- Preservation of natural water and drainage features.
- No turf grass.
- Evapotranspiration-based irrigation controller with rain sensor and leak detection system.
Energy Efficiency
- Staggered-stud framing.
- Daikin Altherma air-to-water heat pump for hydronic space heating and DHW.
- Solar water heating using SPP 30A evacuated tube collector.
- Lifebreath heat recovery ventilation.
- 100 percent LED lighting with no recessed cans.
- Operable skylight for heat flushing.