Diggin’ it in West Seattle

December 17, 2012 By 2 Comments

Model Remodel’s latest new construction project is located on a challenging site that requires removing 1800 cubic yards of soil from a very steep slope.  (The excavated soil is being repurposed on several nearby residential projects.) Surrounding the home on three sides will be a 25 foot tall, steel and timber beam retaining wall with 25 feet of shoring below ground. These tricky site conditions require extra attention by MRM, the architect and the geo-tech engineer. As the process moves forward and before beginning any new construction, this team will carefully monitor the site’s stability conditions.

The owner fell in love with the West Seattle location and the expansive views of Puget Sound and Alki Point. Jeremy Rene, founder of Rene Architecture, designed the new home to be modern and express the personality and lifestyle of this young, single professional.

The project began in the Fall 2012 and will be completed next summer.  The home and garage will be approximately 2600sf and is targeting Built Green 3 Star certification. We will share more details of the project as it evolves.

Do you have a challenging site to develop? Give us a call; we would be happy to share our experience and help turn your challenge into your dream.

 

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Laurelhurst Vintage Classic Remodel

November 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

This young family wanted their first home to reflect their values and family-focused lifestyle.  The new design celebrated the character of the home’s original 1920’s era, yet improved functionality and livability with efficient space planning and sustainable finishes.

We worked closely with the project’s outstanding architect, Carol Sundstrom, AIA, Rom Architecture Studio, and enthusiastic clients to create an efficient kitchen and welcoming indoor-outdoor dining space. The new French doors invite light into the kitchen on grey winter days and beckon guests outside on warm summer evenings.

The kitchen design encourages planning, preparing and enjoying lively family meals. The Shaker-style custom millwork, with elegant bronze pulls below and period-appropriate crystal knobs above, provides the personality and vibe this family was looking for in their classic craftsman-style home. The warm and inviting cabinets are complemented by a herringbone-patterned, marble-tile backsplash. To preserve the beauty of the tile, we hid electrical outlets under the cabinets. Pullout pantries keep the kitchen tidy and the chef organized. A vintage light fixture adds to the authentic character of the space.

Green features included a waste management plan during the remodel that diverted construction waste from landfills.  We upgraded insulation in the kitchen, master and guest bedrooms, installed low-flow plumbing fixtures, and used only low-VOC paints and finishes.

The vision and work was six months in the making; our company’s craftsmanship will serve the family for years to come.

Give us a call if your home is nearing its century mark and needing some updating to better support your modern-day lifestyle.

Among the many benefits that Model Remodel brought to our project, we really appreciated the recognition that a home is SO much more than the materials it takes to make it.  We bought an old home that had never been updated because we love the character and details it offers.  This was our first remodel project and Model Remodel really understood how huge the investment was for us in terms of time, money and emotions. We felt that they took responsibility not only throughout the project but even after completion. They have been able to take care of issues that have come up some of which are outside of the original scope.  Jason’s, no problem, we’ll take care of it, philosophy made us feel that we are being guided by professionals and quality craftsmen that we can really trust. – Homeowner’s Testimonial, November 2012

Note: Professional images by Cindy Apple Photography

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More Recognition for Model Remodel!

September 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

King County Green/Sustainable Small Business of the Year Finalist

Our company’s latest recognition is for “the small business that has achieved excellence in the creation and implementation of sustainable business practices including waste and recycling programs, water stewardship, energy management, efficiency in the built environment, or any other significant effort designed to limit the way a business impacts our local environment.”

Winners, selected from small businesses from around King County, will be announced at the October 10th 2012 continental breakfast ceremony at Bellevue’s Meydenbauer Center. Please join in congratulating this year’s finalists, across seven awards categories, which represent both emerging companies and established businesses that have exhibited a substantial history.

We’re so proud of our team and its ongoing commitment to sustainable building practices, greening up of our operations and delivering exceptional results to ensure our economic prosperity and long-term corporate growth.

Click here for more information and to join the celebration!

 

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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

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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

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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

 

 

 

 

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Design Professionals Harvest House Tour

December 1, 2011 By 2 Comments

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

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MRM Authors Green Remodeling Article

October 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Built Green, the non-profit arm of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, invited MRM‘s Jason Legat, to author the green remodeling article currently featured in this season’s Home Matters publication. If you didn’t get your copy at the 2011 Seattle Home Show this past weekend, download this resource-rich publication here or copy and paste link into your browser. (http://www.masterbuildersinfo.com/library/docs/news/Publications/HomeMatters_2011Fall/index.html) and check out Jason’s article on pages 16 and 17.

If you are considering an update to your home, give us a call. Together we can discuss green remodeling options with a broad range of benefits that include healthier materials and finishes, reductions in energy use and costs, and enhanced environmental stewardship.

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Model Remodel Owner 40 Under 40 Honoree

August 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Here’s some exciting news to pass along — Model Remodel founder Jason Legat was selected by The Puget Sound Business Journal as one of its 2011 40 Under 40 honorees.

For 13 years, the PSBJ has been spotlighting the area’s top business leaders under the age of 40 who excel in their industries. Our robust business community is globally renowned for its innovation and creativity, and this year’s list is no exception. Jason and the other recipients will be profiled in the publication’s September 9th special edition and honored at an event later that week at The Showbox Sodo. Click here to see Jason’s profile and slideshow.

Jason is thrilled to be included on this prestigious list saying, “What an incredible honor for me and my talented team. It’s terrific recognition for Model Remodel’s decade-long commitment to our expanding portfolio of quality projects, repeat customers and ongoing referrals.”

Jason’s staff and crew consider him a visionary leader. When the recession hit, he immediately saw an opportunity to learn about and teach eco-building practices. He also connected with area architects who deliver 21st-century green homes.

Jason grew up in Coupeville, WA, where he learned his trade as a contractor’s apprentice for a local construction company. Jason also loves to play the drums, hike and practice yoga with his wife and young son.

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