One thing we have realized in our pursuit to build better homes is that it’s hard to tell the story of green building in the short amount of time that people are experiencing our homes on their first visit.  First impressions go a long way, and we have thought a lot about the best way to quickly impress some of the most important aspects of what we were trying to accomplish.  We want to first build cool houses, and then make them even better by being more efficient, healthy, comfortable, environmentally friendly, and well connected to their surroundings. 

With this challenge in mind we have been very excited about our work with GreenDwellingSeattle on a piece we think says so much about our goals in a format that’s recognizable, clear and simple, and that give a realistic comparison to other similarly sized homes.  We have put forth our best efforts and we think the Environmental Facts Label says a lot about how we are building better homes.  It provides the basic facts of a home and the means by which we achieve efficiencies.  It lets people know what they can expect in the way of utilities costs compared to local average homes of similar size.  It speaks to walkability, public transit time and also what certifications the home has targeted.  It also includes one basic number: the HERS index, which represents what percentage of efficiency a home should realize over code built homes.  Low is good and each number represents a 1% improvement, with code built homes being 100.  Keep in mind that to achieve Energy Star certification a home must be at least 15% better than code.  At 1105dwell our homes are 45% more efficient and we are very proud of that.  We reached this number by building with SIPS, utilizing an airtight drywall approach, tireless air sealing to keep hot and cold air where we want it, and including efficient systems like Tankless Hot Water, and Heat Recovery Ventilation. 

There is a lot more to tell about green building, but quite a bit of it is said in this label.  We hope it connects and resonates.  Come see for yourself.  See the recycled and renewable materials, smell the clean fresh scent of a healthy home, realize that with so much natural light you use the light switches less often.  We are happy to share our work and that it is being appreciated by our buyers and the community.  3 of 4 have sold and we are looking forward to completing this project just in time to release our next, 436dwell.  

This is an amazing single family home that could quite possibly be the most efficient speculative home built to date in the city.  Not only is it extremely cool, it has a HERS rating of 46!!!  We would love to welcome you to a release party on Thursday, September 2nd from 4:00-7:00 pm.  More details to come on this project.  Stay Tuned!!!