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STS Construction: The Willet Apartments

The Willet, built by STS Construction Services, is a studio-style, 20-unit building on the western edge of the University District where Portage Bay, Wallingford, and the U-District intersect—and where academia at UW meets recreation along Lake Union and Lake Washington.

The project is located near many public transportation routes, sits three blocks north of the Burke-Gilman trail and, with a Walk Score of 92, daily errands do not require a car. The building offers bike storage and a repair station to further incentivize tenants to ride their bikes, thus reducing dependency on cars and the project’s overall carbon footprint.

Vital Stats

Section

Points

Location: University District, Seattle
Star Level: 4-Star
Checklist: Multifamily
Verifier: Evergreen Certified
Site and Water 153
Energy Efficiency 87
Health and Indoor Air Quality 111
Material Efficiency 72
  Total Score 423

A large factor contributing to the project’s overall sustainability is its efficient use of space. Despite their small size (323 square feet on average), each studio includes a built-in Murphy bed, shelving, and desk. These fundamentals allow the tenant to create extra living space when they’re awake while still maintaining density in a fast-growing neighborhood.

To meet Built Green 4-Star standards and reduce the building’s overall energy consumption, the project focused on energy efficiency via domestic hot water, appliances, and lighting. Two high-efficiency gas tankless water heaters with recirculation pumps service the building, and water is sparingly used via low-flow plumbing fixtures. Each unit’s kitchenette comes with ENERGY STAR appliances as well as in-unit laundry and quiet, energy efficient ventilation fans. LED lighting is used throughout the entire building to further reduce the amount of energy needed for each unit and optimize building security. In addition, an array of solar panels was installed to help offset some of the energy consumed from plug loads, unit heating, appliances, and more.

Built Green Highlights

Site and Water

  • No turf grass and drought-tolerant landscaping.
  • Low-flow plumbing fixtures.
  • Partial green roof with amenity space.

Energy Efficiency

  • Energy consumption reduced by more than 28 percent compared to code.
  • ENERGY STAR appliances and LED lighting.
  • 1.7 kW of solar panels.
STS Construction Services 4 Star U District Rooftop Deck
STS Construction Services 4 Star U District Exterior
STS Construction Services 4 Star U District Solar Panels
 

Health and Indoor Air Quality

  • Low VOC paints and adhesives.
  • Dimple drainage mat around foundation.
  • No carpet in units.

Materials Efficiency

  • Vinyl plank flooring with recycled content certified for indoor air quality.
  • Local materials used in each unit.
STS Construction Services 4 Star U DistricBike Amenities
STS Construction Services 4 Star U District Signage

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