Backyard Cottages – A Growing Trend

May 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Backyard Cottages – A Growing Trend

Backyard cottages continue to gain in popularity and we’ve seen many municipalities changing their ordinances to allow for these freestanding structures. Model Remodel just completed a Built Green 3 Star certified backyard cottage project in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood.

A backyard cottage offers a variety of uses:

o Separate living unit for supplemental rental income

o Residence for an aging relative or alternative to assisted living

o Artist’s studio or other workspace

o Transitional living space for a high school senior or college student

o Guest suite for out-of-town visitors

Sheri Newbold, architect, live-work-play, a sustainable architecture and interiors firm, designed the Ballard family’s cottage re-using the home’s existing garage into an energy-efficient, 720-square foot structure.

Supporting the independent lifestyle of the homeowner’s aging parent, a variety of universal design elements were incorporated in the plans for this one-bedroom suite. The design blends contemporary styling and traditional details to complement the 1920s craftsman-style main residence at the front of the property.

Features:

o Open plans improve overall flow and enhance access

o Large windows and tall ceilings contribute to optimize daylighting

o Access at grade for easy indoor / outdoor transitions and living

o Indoor air quality from improved airflow, no VOC finishes and hard surfaces  such as concrete (vs. carpeting)

o An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) provides a controlled way of ventilating a home while minimizing energy loss.

o Built in strategic storage helps maintain organization, keeps the space feeling open and airy, and minimizes tripping hazards

o Energy efficient appliances

o Large counter space for cooking healthy meals at home

o Wider doorways to accommodate wheelchair or walker access and overall flow between spaces

o Zero clearance shower with grab bars for safety

o Cheerful colors to counter balance Seattle’s gray weather

o Durable materials, easy to maintain

Are you interested in converting a garage into livable space or adding an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) to your backyard? Contact us anytime, we would be delighted to help!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, News, Projects Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Its always time for play at Portage Bay

March 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment

We’re not sure who had more fun during the transformation of this family’s under-utilized basement into a whimsical, action-packed playroom – Model Remodel or the home’s pint-sized inhabitants.  When Seattle’s weather turns gray, cold and wet, this is the best spot in the house, and the neighborhood kids know it, too.  Climbing structures, basketball hoop, puffy mats, and a slide keep the little ones moving and entertained for hours.  The colorful paint accents add to the fun.

The kids weren’t the only ones to benefit from this remodel. We also created a warm and inviting master suite from the home’s former second floor bed and bath.  This portion of the update included lifting the ceiling, moving a bedroom wall and incorporating the tiny, old bath area into the bedroom suite – all adding to the room’s grandeur. We optimized the room’s layout to improve functionality, daylighting and capture views of Portage Bay and the University of Washington to the north through the oversized peaked bedroom windows. The sleek bathroom sanctuary includes two new windows, a slipper soaking tub, pebble shower mat and heated tile floor. The space wouldn’t be complete without the addition of an efficient, custom-designed master closet.

Some of the project’s eco-features include extensive use of durable materials, low VOC finishes, low-flow plumbing fixtures, recycled glass content countertop, air sealing, and new insulation.

This family’s Seattle remodel demonstrates that there’s time for play at Portage Bay.

 

All images by Cindy Apple Photography

Filed Under: Featured, News, Projects Tagged With: , , , ,

The Bullitt Center: Encountering Innovation

October 17, 2012 By 2 Comments

The Bullit Center: Encountering Innovation

Last week, several members of the MRM team toured the amazing Bullitt Center, the first commercial Living Building in the country, located on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. The building was developed by the Bullitt Foundation and will serve as its new global headquarters.  The building is designed by Miller Hull, a firm focused on socially responsible architecture.  Stay tuned because the grand opening is planned for April 2013!

So, what’s a living building? Developed by our local Green Building Chapter, it raises the bar from building greener projects that create less harm to our planet to creating projects that are restorative. Key imperatives include the site, net-zero energy and water use, health, nonhazardous materials use, bias towards locally sourced products, equity and beauty (and maybe a little whimsy).

The project’s key ultra-green features of this six-story, 50,000 SF project include:

  • Built for longevity with a 250-year projected life
  • Designed for adaptability (commercial space could also function as living spaces in the future)
  • Rooftop solar renewable energy and ground source heat pumps
  • Tight building envelope
  • Irresistible central staircase to promote walking
  • Centralized data servers for whole building use
  • Tenant specific energy management systems with conservation incentives
  • FSC wood throughout including construction materials
  • Daylighting strategies and smart programmable windows
  • Red List Materials and Finishes
  • Minimal water use composting toilets
  • Extensive rainwater collection systems
  • Rooftop and adjacent rain gardens
  • A new community park / gathering space

The tour was inspirational and informative. It, and our recent successful LEED for Homes, Platinum new-construction project, reminds us that we must continually stay current about green building innovation. And we are fortunate to work with architects and clients who demand socially responsible remodeling and building techniques. What seems like idealism to some is now becoming more mainstream.

Your project, no matter the size, can benefit from our experience and dedication to green building.

Filed Under: Featured, News, Projects Tagged With: , ,

Universal Design and ADUs

September 18, 2012 By 2 Comments

Architect rendering of new ADU design concept

Announcing New Ballard Project: Universal Design and ADUs

A new approach in senior housing

We’re starting an inspiring new project in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood – a backyard cottage that will support the family’s aging parent – where he can live both independently and securely just a stone’s throw away.

Led by architect Sheri Newbold of live-work-play, sustainable architecture and interiors firm, the project team is designing an energy-efficient, 600-square foot cottage that will reuse the home’s existing garage structure.

Universal design elements are incorporated in the plans for this one-bedroom, senior dad pad.  The design blends contemporary styling and traditional details to complement the 1920s craftsman-style main residence at the front of the property.  We kickoff the project this month and will update you on its progress via future postings on MRM’s blog.

Are you interested in converting a garage into liveable space or adding an ADU to your backyard? Contact us anytime, we would be delighted to help!

Filed Under: Featured, News, Projects Tagged With: , , , , ,

Eastside Harvest House Scores High with Deep Green

September 6, 2012 By 1 Comment

Eastside Harvest House Scores High with Deep Green

Conceived and built to achieve the highest point value for any Built Green 5 Stars and LEED for Homes Platinum project to date, the Eastside Harvest House is one of the most sustainably innovative, single-family residences in the region. Completed in May 2012, the home is designed to be beautiful, functional and green, as well as celebrate Kirkland’s farming culture that defined the community a century ago.

The home’s western-facing orientation optimizes stellar sweeping views of Lake Washington, the Olympics and the Seattle skyline. It sits on a quarter of the one-acre property, which includes an orchard, vegetable beds and edible landscape, as well as a giant rain garden.

Built to last, the home uses the highest standards in residential engineering and construction. Its complex, self-sufficient backup systems are enveloped by the home’s simple, modern and clean interior space design.

The 3,570 square feet home was designed with a separate mother-in-law suite for multigenerational living under one roof.  The open floor plan includes a light bathed great room, living / dining / kitchen, a modest master bedroom and bath, a private guest bedroom and bath, and highly functional his and hers offices. An exercise room supports the homeowners healthy lifestyle.

This home was also built with the design/build team’s impressive professionalism, communications, and construction protocols.

And finally, we offer a special thank you to the visionary homeowners who continually pushed the team to design and deliver a technically advanced model for future residential development.

Here is a list of the significant strategies used throughout the home and site.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY SYSTEMS

  • Highly insulated building envelope
  • Insulation used to achieve R-20 to R-50 levels
  • Energy modeling to inform and evaluate design options
  • Highly-efficient heating, water and cooling systems
  • Air-source heat pump is used to heat the house
  • Renewable generation through photovoltaic system
  • Nearly all of the home’s energy will be provided from the sun
  • Sunshades deflect unwanted summer heat
  • Energy Star efficient appliances
  • Efficient LED and compact fluorescent lighting

MATERIALS AND FINISHES

  • Only low- or no-toxicity materials and finishes inside and out
  • Mechanical ventilation systems continually filter indoor air
  • Utilized 100% Forest Stewardship Council certified wood throughout
  • Low total carbon footprint in concrete installations
  • Very little PVC
  • Triple-glazed, argon-filled windows
  • Materials spec’d with low maintenance as a key criterion in selection process

WATER-RELATED COMPONENTS

  • Water efficient plumbing fixtures used throughout home
  • High-capacity, onsite stormwater management system
  • Rain collected in four, NSF-certified, HDPE plastic tanks totaling 12,000 gallons
  • Water captured will be filtered to one micron and sterilized for use as the first permitted potable water in King County
  • Rainwater harvesting system to provide 60 percent of the home’s total water needs
  • Black and gray wastewater directed to municipal sewage system

WASTE REDUCTION STRATEGIES

  • During site demolition, 98 percent of the debris was recycled, reused or repurposed
  • Advanced framing construction methods used to reduce construction waste
  • Materials chosen for durability, ease of upkeep, and where possible, high-recycled content

SITE FEATURES

  • Soil conservation strategies whereby all excavated soil was reused on-site
  • Erosion control construction plan
  • Tree retention and protection plan
  • Utilization of drought-tolerant plants
  • Edible landscape design with orchards and beds for extensive vegetable garden
  • Extensive rain garden design for beauty and functionality

NEIGHBORHOOD ATTRIBUTES

  • Walkable community with easy access to schools, retail, restaurants and personal services
  • Nearby trail supports healthy lifestyle of walking, jogging and biking
  • Transportation options – personal electric car, bike to work, major bus lines to Seattle and around the Eastside

If you are in need some residential green building insights and expertise, please contact us we are always inspired to talk about our unique experiences and to learn more about your vision and goals for your new home or remodeling project.

 

Photo credits: Cindy Apple Photography

Filed Under: Featured, Harvest House, News, Projects Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Laurelhurst Remarkable Renovation

May 22, 2012 By 2 Comments

Laurelhurst Remarkable Renovation

Built in 1947, this house had two very important things going for it: its Laurelhurst location and the family’s 10-year history living there. But it had limitations, too, requiring the family to consider a major remodel. With the client’s goals articulated, architect, Tim Hammer of CAST Architecture not only captured but enhanced their vision. And, after two years of planning and one year of working with Model Remodel they realized a gorgeous whole-house transformation.

The vision included improving the home’s functionality, providing additional living space while maintaining the original footprint, creating a healthier environment, delivering on Built Green 4-Star certification, and interpreting a traditional Japanese story with modern design and aesthetics.

The project took a busy nine months, with demolition beginning in June 2011 and occupancy in the following March. Like many remodeling projects, the scope increased dramatically to accommodate a variety of family needs and wants. Now the family not only has a new second story, but also a completely refreshed basement living area.

Weekly meetings with the architect, homeowner and builder kept the project running smoothly. “From the beginning, we were one team,” commented MRM’s project supervisor, Matt Everett.

Here are just some of the project’s highlights:

  • Lot size:  8951 SF
  • Footprint:  2,547 SF, added 891 SF with 2nd floor addition plus an incremental 40 SF
  • Layout:  Improved-flow kitchen and open grand gathering spaces
  • Lighting:  Used all efficient bulbs and added natural day lighting through skylights, windows and open design
  • Windows:  Installed new super energy efficient windows
  • Millwork:  CAST designed and MRM constructed railings and banisters built using fir and cedar;  railings and beams match both inside and out creating a cohesive and elegant design
  • Cabinets: Installed semi-custom, low-VOC cabinets by Canyon Creek for the kitchen and bathrooms
  • Outdoor living space: Added a gorgeous deck for almost year round outdoor living
  • Insulation: Raised insulation standards 15% above code regulations
  • Waste management plan: Achieved 95% recycling on job
  • Green features: Used low-VOC paints and finishes, created healthier air quality with six fresh-air returns, used durable and low maintenance materials. New powder room has a toilet with a built-in hand wash sink.
  • Certification: Targeted Built Green 4-Star certification

This professional couple and their three young children are thrilled to be able to stay in the neighborhood the Dad grew up in and love the new home and lifestyle that this new major renovation provides them.  At a recent punch list meeting, the homeowner commented that she feels a real difference in the home’s air quality and loves knowing that she is raising her family in a new healthier home.

Want to make your current or new house a healthier home, too? Contact us to schedule a consultation and we can help you get started with some ideas to consider.

* All project images courtesy of CAST Architecture

Filed Under: Featured, News, Projects Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

MRM Ushers in Earth Month with Green Tour

April 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

MRM Ushers in Earth Day with a Eastside Harvest House Green Building Tour

On March 29th almost 100 participants personally experienced the nearly completed Eastside Harvest House project.  The home’s design team hosted design / build professionals, realtors, city staffers and interested neighbors – all eager to see what’s been happening at this new construction site on the eastside of Lake Washington for the last year.

This green building educational tour was among several offered throughout the project’s development, not only to built environment professionals and enthusiasts, but also to several Environmental Science and Sustainability Design students from local junior and senior high schools.

Key features of this net zero energy concept home are:

  • Use of energy efficient and renewable resources, including a highly insulated enclosure, energy simulation to optimize design, and 17Kw solar array to provide all of the home’s electrical energy needs, extensive battery back up and on-demand, energy use management systems
  • On-site, high-capacity stormwater management and rainwater harvesting will provide 60 percent of the home’s needs; harvested water will be filtered to municipal standards for potable use
  • Permaculture design with extensive edible and functional landscaping including fruit and nut orchard, berry bushes, bee fountain and terraced vegetables beds
  • Materials and finishes included using 100 percent FSC lumber, low or no toxicity materials and finishes; minimum PVC used; highest standards set for indoor air quality; recycled content nails used in construction; recycled content counter tops and materials chosen for durability and low maintenance properties
  • Waste management deconstruction plan recycled over 98 percent of previous onsite structure; advanced framing techniques reduced waste
  • Design dedicated only a quarter of the expansive, one-acre site to the home and garage footprint while the balance works to harvest the sun, soil and rain
  • Neighborhood attributes include a walkable community with nearby trails and lakeside walking promenade; located on main Metro bus routes

The home is targeting both Built Green 5 Stars, LEED for Homes Platinum and may be a candidate for a future net-zero-energy certification.

If you want to know more about building a new high-performance home or remodeling green, contact us anytime. — MRM Family

 

* All images provided by Cindy Apple Photography

 

Filed Under: Harvest House, News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Eastside Harvest House Tour

March 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Please join Model Remodel and other members of our project design / build team for an up close and personal final public tour of the Eastside Harvest House in Kirkland. This single-family private residence is designed and built to some of the highest green performance standards in the Puget Sound region and is targeting both Built Green® 5-Stars and LEED for Homes® Platinum certifications.  This event is co-hosted by the Cascadia Green Building Council and Seattle Architecture Foundation.

What: Design Professionals Tour

When: Thursday, March 29th

Times: Tour 1: 8a – 9a or Tour 2: 10a – 11a

Space is limited and pre-registration is required, to register click this link: http://eastsideharvesthouse.eventbrite.com/

The Chinook Book Seattle is offering tour participants a free gift.  The Chinook Book app for iPhone and Android phones is a tool for discovering sustainable and local businesses in the Puget Sound, and redeeming over 400 coupons with your mobile device.

Please contact  Alexandra Steele, Marketing Representative, alexandra (at) modelremodel.com for additional information on the Eastside Harvest House project and upcoming Tour.

Tour provided an opportunity for idea sharing and industry networking

Fall 2011 Behind-the-Scenes Tour

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Harvest House, News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Laurelhurst Whole House Remodel

March 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

MRM remodel during construction featuring new entrance, courtyard and clerestory windows

Laurelhurst Remodel: Another Model Remodel Cinderella Makeover Story

Model Remodel is in the final phase of a whole-house remodel in Seattle’s Laurelhurst neighborhood. The small 1960’s home was built with little attention to detail, design and durability. The new homeowners’ dreams combined with the architect’s vision turned this boring little box into a home that’s worthy of a double take. Raising the roof, playing with juxtaposed angles and adding new clerestory windows and steel framed doors with glazing takes this home from ho-hum to high style.

Key design / build elements include:

Layout: A reconfigured stairway and dramatic new cathedral entrance maximizes efficiency and improves traffic flow. Open family space was created by converting a small bedroom into a kitchen that adjoins the grand dining room and living room – topped off by a jaw-dropping, two-story, black granite fireplace.

Bonus Spaces: The entire lower level was reconfigured to include his-and-her offices and dedicated rooms for media, guests and projects – perfect for working on that special family keepsake or a creative school assignment. The tired carport was transformed into an enclosed two-car garage with valuated ceiling and modern steel and glass garage doors.

Size: The design maintained the home’s footprint, yet added 50 percent more livable space for a total of over 3,000 sf.

Lighting: The addition of clerestory windows invites natural daylight to diffuse the public spaces.

Windows: The upgraded metal-clad wood windows improve insulation and enhance natural lighting.

Inside/Out Integration: Continuity is enhanced by using three similar, but slightly different, black stone tiles in the interior and exterior. The once-ignored courtyard is enhanced with new plantings. New balconies run the length of the house on both levels – perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or favorite book.

Millwork: Extensive custom millwork showcases the family’s treasures and adds significant storage options.

Insulation: Insulation was upgraded to R-38 in the vaulted ceilings, R-21 in the walls, and R-19 in the floors. An initial blower-door test revealed major opportunities for improving the home’s energy efficiency. We added insulation, sealing all walls and ceilings as well as full sealing of heating system air ducts .  We will perform another blower door test at the project’s completion.  Typical results show a minimum improvement of 50% between the first test and the final blower door test.

Green features: The team used repurposed materials, donated original items to Second Use, worked with a waste management plan and installed energy efficient appliances. Built Green® certification is pending project’s completion.

Site: This gorgeous, mature, sloped site has peek-a-boo views of Lake Washington and is conveniently located near public transportation, dining and shopping, and the University of Washington.

“It feels like we’re this home’s fairy godmother – turning a pumpkin into a dazzling coach,” says the MRM project supervisor. Of course, the real magic comes from the talented crew and outstanding collaboration among the architect, builder and homeowner.

Stay tuned for a picture portfolio of our final project to be published sometime in May 2012.

Filed Under: Featured, News, Projects Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Model of a Green Seattle Business

February 28, 2012 By 1 Comment

Behind the scenes: Legat and Bolante w/Solar Panels

The Puget Sound Business Journal features Jason Legat and his company, Model Remodel in their Growing Your Business segment.  The author is real estate reporter, Jeanne Jones and the photographs are by Anthony Bolante on location at the Eastside Harvest House project.

Here is a link to the article but you will need a subscription to access the entire piece or pass by our offices and we can share the hard copy with you, too. If you prefer copy and paste this link in your browser: http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/print-edition/2012/02/24/model-remodel-turned-to-ultra-green.html.

The feature describes Jason’s experience and thinking in the initial stages of the company, the strategies to deal with the speed bumps in the economy and the Model Remodel vision for a greener future. Model Remodel, a Seattle-based company focused on responsible remodeling, from small projects to whole house renovations, and green new construction from Built Green 3 Stars through LEED for Homes Platinum and beyond.

Behind the scenes: Legat and Bolante w Cisterns

Send us your thoughts in the comments below or feel free to contact us directly, anytime.

Filed Under: Featured, Harvest House, News Tagged With: , , , , ,
Next Page »