But what really makes this project stand out is what they didn’t do. While most projects start by demolishing the original structure, releasing tons of embodied carbon emissions and contributing to climate change, nwBuilt chose a different path. They partnered with Nickel Bros to relocate the site’s original 730-square-foot bungalow, giving it a second life as an affordable home on Lopez Island. Pulling the home from Ballard was quite the neighborhood event. Relocating the house for reuse prevented tons of embodied carbon emissions and preserved around 30 trees worth of lumber, roughly equivalent to the amount one person could recycle in 50 years.

Through the combination of thoughtful salvaging, design, and a passion for green building, nwBuilt has been able to incorporate green products and equipment like HRVs and mini-splits to achieve their 5-Star goal. By over-framing the exterior, they created a sloped wall that serves as a design element and doubles as an overhang. Modern elements continue through the interior, with wide-plank FSC- and FloorScore-certified oak flooring throughout the upper floors and a polished concrete main floor.

Triple-pane windows, 2x8 exterior walls with blown-in cellulose, and a gas water heater help keep energy consumption low. A Lifebreath heat recovery ventilator (HRV), the lack of carpet, and the use of low- to no-VOC products will maintain indoor air quality so the homeowners can feel comfortable and remain healthy in their homes. The home is also pre-wired for a future PV array and is electric-car-charging ready.

By combining these features and others listed below, nwBuilt was able to create two well-rounded single-family residences that are sure to last and have a minimal impact on the environment.

These two modern, low country-style homes sit between the Lake Forest Park Town Center and the beach along Lake Washington. The project aids the area’s larger mitigation efforts to restore the lower reach of Lyons Creek, which is an urban salmon-bearing stream, and re-establish two wetlands after the Lyons Creek flooded in 2007. In doing so, it mitigates most of the stormwater on-site through permeable hardscaping, native landscaping, and rain gardens.

The architectural design reflects forethought into the diversity of living situations and spaces. The addition of an accessory dwelling unit above the garage in each house can accommodate a large family, mother-in-law, multi-generational housing, or an extra tenant. Each home utilizes varying ceiling heights to create unconventional gathering spaces like a top-floor reading nook and a wraparound porch with a double-swing barn-style door to connect the indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.

Each material was specifically picked for its aesthetic integration into the low country style, as well as its green attributes. Many materials used on this project were locally produced (within 500 miles), namely cabinets, framing lumber, decking, handrails, pavers, drywall, millwork, and siding. The interior finishes also include GreenGuard certified paint, insulation, and luxury vinyl plank flooring, along with Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified sourcing hardwood flooring and wool carpet.

Energy efficient features include a hybrid heat pump water heater coupled with low-flow plumbing fixtures, ducted and ductless mini-splits for space heating and cooling, LED lighting with dimmer switches, and a spot ERV to ensure fresh air within the home. The cottages reflect a very thoughtful way of mitigating stormwater on-site and attention to detail of design within space, materiality, and energy efficiency.

Built Green Highlights

Site and Water

• Buffer mitigation for Lyons Creek (by The Watershed Group)
• 100 percent permeable hardscaping and supplemental rain gardens
• No turf grass
• Near Lake Forest Park’s transit-oriented development

Energy Efficiency

• 37 percent more energy efficient than code
• All LED lighting with dimmer switches throughout
• Ducted and ductless mini-splits
• Hybrid heat pump water heater

By Puget Sound Energy

Puget Sound Energy is offering incentives for building above existing energy codes. As time passes, more stringent codes are inevitable. PSE will pay you an incentive to build above code now. If you are already building or considering doing a Built Green® project, don’t leave this money on the table!

 
Work directly with their list of certified home raters—most of whom are Built Green verifiers—to receive your incentive. As part of PSE’s Contractor Alliance Network, these raters are pre-screened, licensed, bonded, and insured, and can guide you through the program participation process.

To get started, visit pse.com/hphomes, contact an approved rater/verifier, or email HPHomes@pse.com. For further information on this or other energy efficiency programs offered at PSE, call an Energy Advisor at 1.800.562.1482, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on other new construction program incentives at PSE, check out:
Multifamily new construction • Commercial new construction • ENERGY STAR® manufactured homes