March 1st, 2010
In our ongoing efforts to increase the efficiency of our homes and the sustainability of our developments we also are taking a look at the variety of ways we can implement our efforts and broaden our impact on the urban built environment. We are primarily an infill development company and have always focused our work within Seattle’s walkable communities which have strong connections to public transportation. With these factors in mind, relatively recent news from the DPD has gotten us very excited about Backyard Cottages, aka DADU’s (Detached Accessory Dwelling Units).
There has been a great deal of local discussion around Backyard Cottages (DADU’s) since the Seattle City Council unanimously approved code revisions allowing for these structures on conforming lots city-wide in November of 2009. Taking into account our familiarity with the infill development process, our extremely talented design team, and a strong dedication to the vitality of our urban communities, it is with great pleasure that we expand our services into Backyard Cottage design and construction.
Backyard Cottages are an excellent way for existing homeowners to provide solutions to many issues concerning the built environment and housing through their individual contributions to urban densification. Whether you would like to provide affordable housing by renting out your DADU, would like to easily care for aging parents or boomerang children, or would simply like some extra space for yourselves or your stuff; a Backyard Cottage would be a great addition to your home.
These building designs can be easily integrated into the style of your existing home or can signal your modern aspirations. They are ideally suited to re-use of materials and can be built to the highest standards of efficiency, sustainability, healthy indoor air quality, and reduced impact. The list of benefits go on and on.
We have provided some helpful links to more information above and would be happy to discuss the possibility of adding a DADU to your backyard.
Tags: Architecture and Design, Backyard Cottages, Dwell Development, Green Building, Sustainable Building, Urban Density, Urban Design
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February 15th, 2010
1105 dwell is proving to be one of our most exciting yet.
From the beginning, it has been our goal to build houses that will be a positive addition to the communities they are built in and to reduce the environmental impact of our developments. With each new project we have tried to improve upon our process, and our product. We have looked at how our homes are constructed and closely examined the materials, techniques, and technologies that go into them.
In the pursuit of this continuous improvement we have taken what we see as the next step in our evolution. At 1105 dwell on 23rd Avenue South, ENERGY EFFICIENCY is playing a leading role in this evolutionary process. We started with the envelope, using Structural Insulated Panels for the walls and roofs, high performance Pella windows, and applied expanding spray foam insulation in the joist cavities that separate the floors. We installed Heat Recovery Ventilation units in each of the four homes, and used an Airtight Drywall Approach among other steps to ensure these homes are as tight as possible. We have insulated beyond code requirements and are doing more and more work with energy modeling to have a better idea of how what we put in will give back to the homes future owners.
Our hope is that these steps will help reduce the homes environmental impact beyond the use of sustainable materials, efficient appliances, lighting, and non-toxic finishes. We have been able to accomplish these efficiencies without sacrifices in design or function and we feel that they will add not only to the homes comfort, but to their contribution to community as well.
We are more than happy to meet interested parties for a tour of this, or any of our ongoing projects. There is a ton of interesting information to share. Please contact anthony@dwelldevelopment.net to arrange a tour or for specific inquiries regarding dwell development.
Additionally, these homes are available for pre-sale. Please direct any pre-sale inquiries to Anthony as well.
Tags: 1105 dwell, Airtight Drywall Approach, Architecture and Design, Dwell Development, Efficient Green Homes, Green Building, Heat Recovery Ventilation, Pella Windows, Structural Insulated Panels, Sustainable Building, Urban Design
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February 3rd, 2010
We want to welcome you to the new dwell development blog. As we evolve as a company we are continuing to refine our focus on homes that are the essence of good design; blending layout, efficiency, envrionmetal responsibility, and strong connections to community.
We strive to create homes that are consistently contemporary and as singularly individual as the people that live in them. From speculative developments to project management and a growing custom design business we are excited to be broadening our reach and influence on the urban lanscape.
As our redesigned website is launched we saw an opportunity to connect with people through the ongoing dialogue that a blog could provide. We will be sharing information about what we’re working on, issues related to urban design, emerging trends within sustainable building, and a host of other topics of interest.
We want this to be a conversation. We want to share thoughts with you and for you to share your thoughts and opinions as well. Understanding your perspectives and positions will help us to do better work. We look forward to the journey.
Tags: Architecture and Design, Dwell Development, Green Building, Sustainable Building, Urban Design
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