Case Study

Pb Elemental Architecture
Vital Stats
Location: Seattle, South Lake Union
Star Level: 3-Star
Checklist: Multi-Family
Size: 53 units workforce housing
Section Points
Site and Water 52
Energy Efficiency 43
Indoor Air Quality 71
Material Efficiency 97
Owner O&M 62
Innovation 10
Total Score 337

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WG Clark Construction
Project: Borealis

This month’s featured project is the 53 unit Borealis project in South Lake Union. Developed by Vulcan Real Estate as a mixed-use workforce housing project, Borealis was built and certified by WG Clark Construction Company. One of the most innovative green strategies in the project is 4,337 square feet of green wall and green screen space to allow foliage to grow on vertical surfaces. This strategy helps mitigate the urban heat island effect, absorb CO2, and cultivate a sense of place for the residents. The project also installed a ductless heating system, used only low VOC paints, used recycled content plastic lumber for decks, and was able to recycle the majority of the construction waste.

Some of the many green features of the project include:

Site and Water Protection

  • 4,337 square feet of green walls and green screens
  • No grass used in landscaping
  • Amended soils to a depth of 8-10 inches
  • Mixed use development
  • Provision of infiltration system for rooftop runoff
  • Installed high efficiency irrigation system and drought tolerant plants

Energy-Efficiency

  • Provided bicycle lockers for residents
  • No air conditioning used
  • Provided energy metering for each unit
  • Upgraded water heater to EF .83
  • Certified through City of Seattle Built Smart program
  • Green walls help reduce heating and cooling needs
  • Used compact fluorescent lighting

Indoor Air Quality

  • Involved sub-contractors in implementation of healthy jobsite plan
  • Installed a ductless heating system
  • Ventilated units with fans after application of new finishes
  • Limited use of carpet to less than 1/3 of unit area
  • Used low-VOC interior paints
  • Installed sealed combustion hot water equipment

Material Use

  • Developed comprehensive construction waste recycling program
  • Re-used dimensional lumber
  • Used recycled content plastic decking
  • Installed 50-year siding
  • Used recycled content sheathing and siding materials
  • Provided recycling bins for residents

Still Images

Click on an image to enlarge.

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Photos by Chris Roberts and Mike Seidl.

 

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