Case Study

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Specialized Homes: Issaquah Highlands

Built by Specialized Homes Location: Issaquah Highlands

This month's featured home is a 4-Star single-family home in Issaquah Highlands built by Specialized Homes . Touted as the first new solar home in Issaquah, the house boasts 2.5 KW of solar power generation along with the many other green features. The home also achieved certification by Energy Star® Homes Northwest, and used the self-named "Healthy Habitat" approach that combines environmentally friendly building practices with aesthetics and healthy living spaces. Specialized Homes has was one of the first members of Built Green back in 2000, and has consistently certified projects over the past seven years.

Some of the many green features include:

Site and Water Protection

• Built in a Built Green certified development
• Used a water management system to allow for groundwater recharge
• Ground land-clearing waste and stumps for reuse as mulch
• Use of slow-release organic fertilizers
• Positioned garage behind the house and minimized garage sizes

Energy-Efficiency

• Installed 2.5 KW solar photovoltaic system
• Energy Star® heating and cooling systems within the heated space
• Performance tested for duct leakage
• Use of insulated headers and fully insulated corners
• Energy Star® lighting throughout

Material Use

• Extensive recycling plan for jobsite waste that included recycling of wood, metal scraps, drywall, concrete, packaging and cardboard
• Use of finger jointed framing material
• Use of products with recycled content such as drywall, carpet pad and insulation
• Installation of a 50-year siding material and 40-year roofing material
• No PVC used in plumbing
• Provided built-in recycling center in home

Indoor Air Quality

• Use of Rodda Horizons Zero VOC paints
• Implementation of healthy jobsite plan that included sub-contractors
• Use of exterior grade plywood and formaldehyde free board inside the home
• Installation of a central vacuum, vented to the outside
• Installation of sealed combustion heating and hot water equipment with power venting

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