With R-23 blown-in fiberglass insulation in the exterior walls, R-62 ceiling insulation, and a U-0.26 window average, these units are well insulated, which aids in reducing the need for space heating and cooling. Even so, the houses are fully equipped with a ducted and ductless mini-split system that will provide comfort to the homeowners in both the summer and winter months. Other features include Panasonic spot ERVs for ventilation, a hybrid heat pump water heater, EnergyStar appliances, and LED lighting that help make these super high performing homes.

On the outside is a combination of siding material that creates a beautiful aesthetic. Beneath the siding, Henry’s Blue Skin and a rainscreen system help keep moisture out of the home. Interior material selections, in tandem with airtightness and moisture management, make this a low-VOC and healthy home.

Built Green Highlights

Site and Water

• 100% permeable hardscaping
• Green Factor score of 1.258
• Drought-tolerant landscaping and grass
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures

Energy Efficiency

• R-20 full sub-slab insulation
• Ducted and ductless mini-splits
• Hybrid heat pump water heater
• Energy Star appliances
• Balanced ventilation system
• 12KW solar panel

With a specific focus on indoor air quality, this home employs a new ventilation and air filtration system, helping to make it a safe and comfortable environment for its occupants. The state-of-the-art fresh air system includes a Zehnder 350 HRV, Zehnder ComfoPost inline heating/cooling coil, and HEPA air filtration system. This system allows for fresh, filtered air to enter the home throughout the day and to be increased when needed, such as when the kitchen hood fan is drawing smoke out of the kitchen during cooking. This fresh air system maintains high indoor air quality by reducing particulates in the air, even when the outdoor air quality is particularly poor, such as during a summer forest fire.

Built with passive and active solar needs in mind, this two-story house faces south. Triple-paned Vinvltek windows on the south side provide passive heating and natural light within the home. White interior paint also helps provide significant daylighting and reduces energy demand from the home’s LED lighting.

The home also employs a 12.87kW photovoltaic system, producing enough power to make the home net positive and power an electric vehicle. With a shell system constructed from 6.5” SIPs walls, 10.25” SIPs roof, 4” foam under the slab-on-grade, ICF form slab-edge stemwalls, and U 0.18 average triple pane windows, this house has a tight envelope, helping to reduce energy consumption.

The three-bedroom, two bath house is meant to allow the occupants to age in place. The first floor has a kitchen, main living space, a bedroom and bathroom, and ADA-compliant doorways.

Overall, this home is a comfortable, clean, net positive building, allowing the homeowners to be happy, healthy, and confident in the knowledge that their home is serving their needs, meets a high standard of excellence, and is protecting the environment in the process.

The builder, homeowners, and Built Green verifier met early in the process to plan out how the home would meet the many stringent Emerald Star requirements. TC Legend Homes dedicated one of its team members to track documentation, source materials, and act as the liaison between the builder, homeowner, and verifier during the construction process. This project is only the second home in Seattle to meet the stringent requirements of the Emerald Star checklist!

Built Green Highlights

Site and Water

• 10,000 gallons of on-site rainwater storage and filtration system
• 80%+ reduction in water use from conservation and site collection and filtration
• Low-flow faucets and toilets
• Green Factor Score of 0.816
• 100% of on-site stormwater infiltration
• 100% pervious surfaces for driveways, walkways, and parking areas
• 100% of irrigation from rainwater
• Walk Score of 74

Energy Efficiency

• Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of zero with solar PV (41 without PV)
• Walls: R-29, 6" Graphite SIPs taped at all interior and exterior joints
• Roof: R-49, 10" Graphite SIPs taped at all interior and exterior joints
• Foundation: R-23 ICF stem walls, R-20 rigid foam under slab
• Windows: triple-pane, wood-framed, low-e windows, U=0.14
• Air sealing: 0.48 ACH 50
• Ventilation: Zehnder HRV
• HVAC: Chiltrix air-to-water heat pump w/ 4.5 COP for in-floor radiant hydronic heat on ground floor and ceiling-mounted air distribution heads on second and third floors
• Hot water: Chiltrix air-to-water heat pump with tank storage
• Lighting: 100% LED
• Appliances: ENERGY STAR refrigerator, clothes washer, range hood; induction cooktop
• Solar: 9.9-kW PV
• Two electric vehicle charging stations (one in garage and one outside)
• Energy Star v. 3.1 Certified
• DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Certified