Case Study

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Hughes Building Company: Issaquah Home on Cougar Mountain

Built Green Rating: 3 Star Homebuilder Checklist Built by Hughes Building Company Location: Issaquah

Exquisite views abound in and around this finely detailed luxury home built by Hughes Building Company. Durable, low-toxic and low-maintenance materials are highlighted in this special mountain residence, including granite and marble surfaces and flooring, hardwood flooring combined with stone, marble and tile. Energy-saving features include the installation of Energy Star appliances and natural daylighting. This home has achieved a Built Green Three-Star rating with 288 points. "The new millennium has brought Americans to a new level of consciousness about our family, our nation and our environment," says the builder.

Green features in the home include:

Site & Water Protection

• Protection of trees and existing native vegetation on site
• Part of the site was left undisturbed; grading was limited to 20 ft. outside the building footprint.
• Topsoil was removed to build the home, but was stockpiled and covered to prevent erosion, and was then reused on the site after construction was complete
• Use of heavy equipment was limited to a particular area to minimize soil compaction, along with a single, stabilized construction entrance
• Slow-release organic fertilizers were applied to establish vegetation
• Construction was phased so that no more than 60 percent of the site was disturbed at any given time, which helped protect adjacent areas as well as the site itself

Using Energy Wisely

• A tighter building envelope was created with an exterior air infiltration barrier, as well as using an airtight drywall method
• Thermal bridging is reduced with insulated headers, and fully insulated corners and interior/exterior wall intersections
• Passive solar is utilized for its heating properties and daylighting by orienting the windows towards the south
• To prevent too much heat gain, shading is provided on east/west windows
• Heating and cooling equipment is centrally located in the basement, allowing a reduction in the size of system
• Clerestory windows provide natural daylighting and light-colored interiors help distribute the natural light
• Water heater is located within 20 pipe feet of highest use areas to save on hot water use
• Energy Star appliances will save energy and utility costs for the homeowners (heating/cooling, dishwasher, refrigerator)
• No air conditioner

Health and Indoor Air Quality

• Low-toxic mastic is used to seal ventilation ducts
• House was ventilated with fans after finishes were applied
• Furnace and ducts were cleaned thoroughly after construction
• Less-allergen-attracting carpet carries the Carpet & Rug Institute’s Indoor Air Quality label
• Formaldehyde-free insulation installed
• Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) interior paints and finishes were used throughout the home on large surface areas
• Cabinets are made with formaldehyde-free board and low-toxic finishes
• Extra precautions to control moisture were applied throughout the home
• Air distribution system was designed to provide maximum benefit to the occupants with measures such as return air ducts in every bedroom and high-efficiency filters
• Central vacuum system is exhausted to the outside
• Operable windows allow for cross ventilation, naturally

Using Materials Wisely and Reducing Waste

• Participated in King County’s Construction Works program for jobsite recycling, and ensured that subcontractors participated in recycling efforts
• Extensive jobsite recycling included cardboard, metal scraps, wood, drywall, masonry, roofing and landclearing waste
• Use of locally produced materials, such as foundation blocks and stone, help save on transportation fuel and pollution, plus contribute to a healthier local economy
• Recycled content materials include drywall, underlayment in the sub floor and decking
• A 50-year siding product and a 40-year roof will both save on replacement costs plus reduce the need for manufacturing of new materials
• To facilitate recycling efforts for the homeowners, areas are designed in the kitchen and garage to accommodate bins

 

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