The whole-building VRF heating and cooling systems, solar panel array, high-efficiency centralized gas water heaters, Energy Star appliances, LED lighting, and tested low-flow plumbing fixtures give this apartment building an edge, with energy savings of over 45 percent better than state energy code.

In conjunction with energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ) was also a large forethought, with the purchase of recycled content CRI Green Label carpet tiles for the hallways, FloorScore certified flooring for the units, zero VOC paints throughout, and CARB-compliant wood composite products. And to prevent future moisture and mold issues, BEE Engineering was hired to consult on the project, including providing specs for the installation of the rainscreen beneath the siding, the siding, liquid flashing, and windows.

Besides energy and IAQ, the units come partially furnished and equipped with dimmable light switches, humidistat and bathroom timer switches, programmable thermostats to control the mini-splits, washer, dryer, refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwave (all Energy Star). Each unit is sub-metered for electrical and water, so the residents get to know exactly what they consume. Besides that, the building is fully accessible, with multiple decks for entertaining!

Built Green Highlights

Site and Water

• Light-colored hardscaping and Energy Star TPO roofing
• Drought-tolerant landscaping with a sensor drip irrigation system for establishment
• Low-flow WaterSense plumbing fixtures
• Centrally located next to Capitol Hill light rail station

Energy Efficiency

• 47.3 percent energy savings
• VRF heating and cooling system
• High-efficiency central gas water heaters
• Energy Star appliances and lighting throughout
• Solar PV system installed

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

Medium density and Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood are not terms you typically associate together. However, Mirra Homes’ Magnolia development offers 15 new townhomes in this stanchly single-family neighborhood increasing the site’s density by 400%.

Magnolia is a highly desirable neighborhood. It is close to downtown Seattle but offers a respite from the hustle with access to large outdoor spaces and iconic views of Seattle’s waterfront and the Puget Sound. However, due to the neighborhood being predominantly low density, single-family zoning, many cannot obtain a home in the neighborhood. The Magnolia development transformed what used to be three single-family homes to 15 new townhomes ready for families to make their home.

The homes’ contemporary style and oversized windows let in an abundance of light, but don’t detract from their privacy. Through thoughtful layout and the use of various window sizes, units do not look directly into one-another or prominently display a neighbor’s wall. Roof-top decks provide expansive views of Magnolia, Queen Anne, Phinney Ridge, and beyond. Their open floor and stacked floor plans offer efficient and flexible space for a variety of family needs. Low maintenance, drought-tolerant plantings and pervious hardscape reduce potable water use and stormwater runoff.

With ductless heat pump mini-splits space conditioning throughout most of the unit, residents have zonal temperature control for both heating and cooling in their living spaces. A gas tankless water heater services domestic hot water demands with an Energy Factor of 96%. These systems, combined with the rigid foam roof and blown-in fiberglass wall insulations, Low-E windows, Energy Star appliances, and LED lighting contributed to these homes achieving a modeled performance of 29.2% improvement over 2015 WSEC.

The project also used an abundance of locally produced material, including rigid insulation, framing lumber, sheetrock, cabinets, and windows. Mirra homes promoted superior indoor air quality by choosing materials with fewer toxins/VOCs in them to limit off-gassing inside the units—from the paints, caulks, adhesives, and sealants to the pre-finished laminate flooring, cabinets, and millwork.