View Cart 0 Item

Case Study: Leota Commons

Vital Stats

Section

Points

Location: Seattle
Star Level: Built Green 4-Star
Checklist: 2018 New Construction Single Family

Verifier: Balderston Associates

Site and Water 146
Energy Efficiency 81
Health and Indoor Air Quality 78
Material Efficiency

61
Equity and Social Justice 31
  Total Score 461

leota exterior

Written by: Tom Balderston and Kate Romero

Project Overview:
Leota Development completed a new 3 Unit project in a walkable neighborhood next to Woodland Park Zoo in late 2023. The project replaced a single-family home with a detached home in front and two large townhomes on the improved alley. The project was designed by Akasha Architecture and built by Paul Williams. The 4-Star project includes the latest all-electric design and plenty of Built Green features.

The energy model for this project earned an ERI score of 54, which qualified this project for the performance pathway option on the Built Green checklist. The performance pathway allows more credit for items such as orientation and windows, the best-in-class heat pump electric clothes dryer, and the induction range; enabling the home to qualify.

Leota kitchen

Energy Use: The project is Built Green 4 star with 2 additional energy credits compared to the 2018 WA Energy Code minimums. It features advanced R-42 foam/FG Batt ceiling insulation, a high-efficiency Mitsubishi Ductless Heat Pump system, 100% LED lighting, efficient Heat Recovery Ventilation, and ENERGY STAR appliances.

Low Impact Development and Rainwater Catchment: The project features 100% pervious paving on parking and walks for stormwater infiltration, roof drains to biofilter planters, EPA Water Sense toilets, water-efficient fixtures and shower heads, and drought-tolerant and native landscaping with no lawns. The project has easy access to shops and transit, with a “Walkscore” of 80, and the front entry and shared parking encourage community.

leota living_balcony

Indoor Air Quality and Moisture Protection: The project features no carpets, Kraus "Natural Home" Engineered Oak Flooring that is EO certified for air quality, framing lumber moisture tested before drywall cover, low VOC interior paints, caulks, adhesives, and sealants, and cabinets and MDF trim that are CARB 2 certified for low added formaldehyde. The project also features a Wrap Shield high-performance exterior weather barrier with under-windowsill flashings, a drainage plane, and all bath and kitchen fans were tested for proper flow.

Materials with Reduced Environmental Impact: The project features cabinets, trim, tile backer, doors, and railings with recycled material content. Additionally, it has Kraus "Natural Home" flooring that is FSC certified, long-life Hardie Panel fiber cement exterior siding, a heat-welded TPO roof membrane, plastic decking with 55% recycled content, and exercised efficient framing practices with pre-cut studs and roof trusses. The project underwent 3rd Party Built Green Verification at the foundation, framing, and final stages.

Built Green highlights:

Site and Water:

  • Urban, Transit-oriented infill
  • Seattle Green Factor Score of 0.61
  • 82% of stormwater from site managed on-site
  • No turf grass in final landscaping along with drought-tolerant plant selection

Energy Efficiency: 

  • Ductless mini splits throughout the units
  • Centralized hybrid heat pump domestic hot water heater
  • 100% electric units
  • Energy Star appliances

Health and Indoor Air Quality:

  • Anti-idling and healthy jobsite practices implemented
  • Low VOC products used throughout
  • GreenGuard Gold Certified flooring
  • Rainscreen installed under siding

Materials Efficiency:

  • Used locally and regionally manufactured materials
  • Engineered lumber used for floor system
  • Used recycled-content roofing materials

Equity & Social Justice:

  • Designed to promote pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods
  • Built within walking distance of transit, schools, shopping and parks
 

Photo credit: NWMLS

You May Also Like

Card image cap Built Green™

06/02/2022

CAST architecture Modern Tudor DADU

Card image cap Built Green™

03/02/2024

TC Legend Homes—The Resilient Samish Solar Home

Card image cap Built Green™

09/02/2020

Built Green Virtual Conference Preview