One of the greatest benefits of working on green projects is the underlying goal of going beyond the finished product and revealing the process. We’re fortunate to live in a community of innovators who are willing to share new technologies, products and practices and who are committed to making green building and remodeling more accessible to everyone.
This commitment was evident last week when the Harvest House Design Team hosted the Cascadia GBC Behind-the-Walls Tour. Despite the sub-40-degree weather, we had a great turnout of enthusiastic Seattle-area design professional – architects, construction engineers, urban planners, municipal workers, non-profit professionals and homeowners. The project is targeting LEED for Homes Platinum and Built Green 5 Stars certifications.
As participants walked through the chilly construction site, informational signage highlighted key eco-features of the project, and our design team added important technical details on several key deep-green components:
• Overall design concept and clients’ green goals
• Deconstruction process where over 98% of the materials were recycled, reused or repurposed
• Built-to-last design and highest quality construction techniques
• Air tight building sealing and wrapping for an well-insulated envelope
• Materials chosen for durability, ease of upkeep, and high-recycled-content
• First permitted potable rainwater harvesting system in King County
• Onsite water filtration system: catchment and extensive rain gardens with several mini retention ponds
• A 90-panel solar PV array to provide 100% of the home’s energy needs
• Specialty residential energy management system
• Permaculture and edible landscaping plan that includes orchards, berry bushes and vegetables
SPECIAL THANKS
Our design team presenters included Jason Legat and Walter Goodwin of MRM; George Ostrow, Velocipede architects; Jenny Pell, Permaculture Now; Jessi Bloom, NW Bloom; Brian Heather, SolTerra Systems; and Scott Waller, Converged Green.
Brianne Culley, Magellan Architects represented the Cascadia GBC Education and Tour committee and Kyra Hughes of GLY represented E-Leaf (formerly Eastside LEED Users Group).
Participants were treated to baked goods and hot coffee courtesy of MRM and E-Leaf, which helped warm our guests and staff and created an atmosphere of casual networking and information sharing.
Look for a future MRM announcement on a tour of the finished house in early spring.
All photography provided by Cindy Apple Photography
