Case Study

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Tennyson Homes : Kirkland

Built Green Rating: 3 Star Homebuilder Checklist Developed by Tennyson Homes Location: Kirkland

Tennyson Homes believes that preserving the natural environment is an integral part of creating a home that buyers will be proud to own. Building green offers many benefits to the community and to the homeowner: a healthy, energy efficient home and sustainable, environmentally friendly development for the community. This certified 3-Star Built Green Kirkland home was constructed using the Built Green Homebuilder checklist designed for new single-family homes. The majority of the points this project earned on the checklist were in the site and water protection and materials efficiency sections.

The home was built on an in-fill site to utilize existing infrastructure. Care was taken to protect the site, recycle the natural vegetation, control erosion and minimize soil destabilization. The existing home was carefully recycled, with all usable materials and plants going to professional salvagers and private individuals. The remaining material was separated and recycled as much as possible, greatly minimizing the amount of material ending up in a landfill, and allowing for the recycled materials to be used in other building projects. An on-site ground infiltration system is utilized to capture all roof and storm water runoff, eliminating untreated storm water being introduced into the existing storm water system. The home incorporates design elements such as a large front porch, a courtyard and abundant natural lighting to encourage outdoor activities and to reduce energy consumption. The den fireplace mantel is constructed of a large recycled timber. Granite, limestone and tile floors and countertops increase durability. Low-VOC paint and decreased carpeted areas promote a healthy indoor environment.

The many green features include:

Site and Water Protection

• Built on an infill lot to reduce development of virgin sites
• Preserved and recycled existing native vegetation as landscaping
• Provided an infiltration system for rooftop runoff
• Amended soil to establish turf and other vegetation with less irrigation
• Limited turf grass to 25 percent of landscaped area
• Landscaped with plants appropriate for site topography and soil type
• Used non-toxic or low-toxic outdoor materials for landscaping (e.g., plastic, least-toxic treated wood)

Using Energy Wisely

• Use building and landscaping plan that reduces heating/cooling load naturally
• Windows were oriented to make the best use of passive solar
• Installed programmable thermostat
• Installed Energy Star® appliances, including a horizontal-axis washing machine, dishwasher and refrigerator
• Installed lighting dimmers and timers

Health and Indoor Air Quality

• Cleaned duct and furnace during construction and before owners moved in
• Used high-efficiency air filter
• Operable windows were installed to provided for cross ventilation
• Installed whole house fan to provide consistent fresh air flow into the home
• Carpet was limited to less than one-third of home’s square footage, and low pile, less allergen-attracting carpet and pad were installed by tacking where used
• Used urea formaldehyde-free insulation
• Used low-VOC or water based grouts, sealers, mortars, caulks
• Used low-VOX/low-toxic interior paints and finishes for large surface areas

Using Materials Wisely and Reducing Waste

• Materials waste was minimized through the design and use of engineered structural products, R-21 2-by-6 intermediate framing, and standard dimensions in design
• Recycling was a major component of the build, and cardboard, drywall, metal scraps, paint, concrete, land clearing debris, packaging and wood scraps were all recycled
• Building materials were reused on site, as well as donated and used on other sites
• Installed durable, longer life cycle materials
• Installed locally produced materials

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