Housing trends for the past few years have put more focus on how to make shelters that are eco-friendly and cost efficient. In Seattle, this trend is taken to a new level as a team builds an entire community with solar powered homes.
In 2010, Dwell Development partnered with Seattle Housing Authority to build 15 houses through green building techniques and high-performance technology. The project became so successful that 36 homes were added in just the span of five years.
The firm's owner, Anthony Maschmedt, initiated the project because he wanted to provide homes that would conserve resources and cut costs. His firm teamed up with Julian Weber Architects, a group of local architects that develops green homes and modern design. JWA came up with 42 unique blueprints of solar powered homes, making sure each structure would be able to utilize solar energy by strategic window placement.The building process is environment friendly as well, as reclaimed and recycled materials were incorporated in the homes' interiors. For example, the homes' NovuStone countertops were from recycled glass. The wood flooring and cabinets on the living room and kitchen areas are also made from reclaimed wood.
Now the 42 homes, collectively known as The Rainier Vista Community, is considered a zero-energy living neighborhood. According to Green Builder Media, the houses have rooftops that are strong enough for solar panels, and systems that provide heat and insulation without consuming electricity. The neighborhood is also a certified 5-Star Built Green, a recognition from Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, meaning the Rainier Vista has superbly met environmental standards for energy efficiency, water use, and indoor air quality.
Part of the green community is the first passive house in Seattle, a 1,711-square-foot cork house. The home is composed of 100 percent natural cork siding from Thermacork. Passive House is considered the world's leading standard in energy efficient construction. This means that the cork house has passed the highest standards of quality, comfort and energy efficiency.
