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TC Legend Homes' Emerald Star Home Shines in West Seattle

TC Legend Homes has always been up for a challenge, whether it's building market-rate net zero energy homes, Built Green® 5-Star-certified homes or even positive-energy homes. So when homeowners challenged them to build an Emerald Star-certified home—Built Green's highest certification level—they accepted.

The result is this West Seattle gem, a three-story, 3,160 square foot net-zero energy home located on an urban infill lot. It features a ground floor one-bedroom mother-in-law apartment with three additional bedrooms on the main two floors. Flexibility was key in the design to allow the house to continue to be functional as the homeowners' young family grows. With that in mind, there are "flex" spaces on each floor, right-sized bedrooms, a generously sized utility room, and ample outdoor spaces.

Vital Stats

Location: West Seattle
Star Level: Emerald Star
Checklist: Emerald Star
Verifier: Ecoe Company
 

TC Legend West Seattle Built Green Emerald Star home exterior

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
TC Legend West Seattle Built Green Emerald Star home kitchen
TC Legend West Seattle Built Green Emerald Star home living room
TC Legend West Seattle Built Green Emerald Star home stairs
 

Health and Indoor Air Quality


  • Low- and no-VOC paints and finishes
  • Low- and no-VOC adhesives and sealants
  • PVC alternatives used throughout home
  • EPA Indoor airPLUS certified
  • Fully insulated garage air-sealed from house with automatic exhaust fan
  • No added urea formaldehyde wood products
  • No combustion appliances in house
  • Fresh air supply to all bedrooms

Materials Efficiency


  • Over 90% of construction waste recycled
  • Salvaged windows used in entry
  • FSC-certified lumber for interior framing, flooring, trim, doors, windows, cabinets, and siding
  • Concrete mixed with 34% slag
  • Greenguard certified cork flooring
  • 50-year warranted Allura siding
  • Standing-seam metal roofing
  • Recycled glass tile in kitchen and bathrooms
TC Legend West Seattle Built Green Emerald Star home laundry room
TC Legend West Seattle Built Green Emerald Star home utilities

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