On the hills of Queen Anne is a new, modern, 5-star single family house by RW Anderson. The siding, a combination of dark, well-charred shou sugi ban and metal siding, is arranged in geometric patterns that draw your eyes towards the cantilevered floors. On one side, the floor above covers the carport. On the other, floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to see straight through to the waters of Elliot Bay.
In contrast, the interior is bright and well-lit by daylight flooding in through the windows, which will help minimize energy usage for lighting during the day. The house is also extremely well insulated; the exterior walls are covered in three inches of rigid foam, in addition the fiberglass blown-in blanket systems (BIBS) on the interior. The ceiling has a minimum of six inches of rigid foam on the exterior and the 16-inch-deep trusses are also packed with fiberglass BIBS. AeroBarrier helps reduce overall envelope leakage.
Vital Stats
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Section
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Points
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Location: Seattle
Star Level: 5-Star
Checklist: Remodel Checklist
Verifier: Evergreen Certified |
Built Green Team |
5 |
| Site and Water |
141 |
| Energy Efficiency |
152 |
| Health and Indoor Air Quality |
162 |
| Materials Efficiency |
121 |
| Operation, Maintenance, and Homeowner Education |
12 |
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Total Score |
624 |
By combining AeroBarrier with a well-insulated envelope, RW Anderson was able to decrease the heating loads so the whole house could be heated (or cooled) with just a few ductless mini-split heads. This project also utilized a high-efficiency gas tankless water heater, Energy Star appliances, and high-efficacy lighting, allowing them to save over 40% more energy compared to a code-built house.
Beyond energy efficiency, many of the interior design choices were selected not only for their aesthetics, but also for their sustainability. Rather than using new materials throughout, many of the doors, light fixtures, and other products are salvaged material, with old markings bringing charm and character. The oak flooring used through is FSC and FloorScore certified.
The combination of all these items and the use of long-lasting siding products will reduce the overall impact on the environment while creating a beautiful, durable house.