Case Study

Vital Stats Location: Seattle Star Level: 5-Star Checklist: Single Family/Townhome Section Points Site and Water 131 Energy Efficiency 173 Indoor Air Quality 149 Material Efficiency 119 Multiplier 1.0 Total Score 572

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SBI Construction
Seattle, WA

This month's featured project is a custom home in Seattle built by SBI Construction. The residence was recently certified as a 5-Star home with a total of 572 points. Energy modeling has shown that the operation of the home will use 32% less energy than a similar home built to the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code. It also featured a 2,500 gallon below ground cistern to collect rainwater, used a furred exterior walls to reduce thermal bridging, a solar water heating system, and whole house radiant heating. It also boasted a 95% construction waste recycling rate, and used sub-contractors who powered equipment and trucks on biodiesel. Designed by Built Green member Stuart Silk Architects, the home is an excellent example of deep green building in an urban custom home.

Site and Water Protection

• Built on infill lot
• Installation of 2,500 gallon below ground cistern for rainwater catchement
• Left half of the site completely undisturbed during construction
• Amended soils to a depth of 12" to ensure rainwater infiltration
• Designed to achieve effective impervious surface for less than 10% for the site
• Either replanted or donated all vegetation from impacted site
• Installed a worm bin for food waste disposal
• Use of non-toxic outdoor materials for landscaping
• Landscaping with drought tolerant plants
• Installed low flow kitchen and bathroom faucets

Energy Efficiency

• Designed and built to use 32% less energy than a comparable code home
• Use of Energy Star appliances and heating equipment
• Installed hydronic radiant heating system with a 95% efficient boiler
• Blower door test showed air tightness at .15 ACH
• Used wall furring system for framing to reduce thermal bridging in exterior walls
• Installed a heat recovery ventilator to capture heat from warm air leaving the home and pre-heating the new colder air entering for home ventilation
• Installed high efficiency heat pumps with reverse cycle chiller system
• Used 97% efficient wall hung water heater tied to solar hot water system
• Installation of Energy Star certified heating equipment
• Did not install an air conditioner in the home

Indoor Air Quality

• Educated subcontractors about clean jobsite practices and use of low VOC materials
• Used formaldehyde free insulation throughout home
• Used only low VOC products for tile and grout, framing, flooring, HVAC, insulation, drywall and paints
• Used ceramic tile for flooring
• Used shelving, trim and doors that did not have added urea formaldehyde
• Designed 24" roof overhangs to inhibit moisture on vertical walls
• Had envelope inspected by a 3rd party prior to completion
• Installed a drainage plane between sheathing and house-wrap
• Used sloped sill pans with end dams for all windows and exterior doors
• Hose tested windows to ensure seals
• Installed whole house radiant heating system with no ducted heating
• Used low toxic lime plaster throughout interior walls

Material Use

• Achieved 97% construction waste recycling rate
• Designed components of home for deconstruction to aid in later material re-use
• Used deconstruction to dismantle and re-use existing building on the site
• Re-used doors, appliances, hardware and cabinets
• Home featured urban salvage lumber
• Did not use vinyl products for plumbing, flooring, siding or windows
• Used a 50% minimum of regional wood products for trim
• Installed recycled content cellulose insulation
• Used subcontractors who powered equipment and trucks with biodiesel
• Installed 50 year siding and 40 year roofing products

Still Images

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Photos courtesy of SBI Construction.