South & West Seattle Tour Sites

This West Seattle home provides a story of innovative use of materials, green and healthy finishes, energy conservation, integrated, expandable solar, and a multitude of solutions to accommodate the ebb and flow of a young and growing family.

Design/Build team Robert & Devon Burns created this remodel of efficiency, modern style, and urban functionality. Features include green roof, solar hot water, radiant heating, tight building envelope, salvaged and reused materials, and healthy living. SUSTAINABLE LIVING / BUILDING DEMONSTRATIONS.

The Northwest Idea House of the Year not only serves as a personal residence and light commercial space, but also functions as a demonstration and education site. The underlying theme throughout the home/office design, systems considerations, diversity of building method implementations, and materials selection became known as the "Green Meets the Greenback Criteria" where every decision was made with a careful analysis on the return on investment as well as on the environmental impact. This Northwest contemporary style home/office, showcases a Japanese flare harmonizing concrete, steel and engineered wood elements all while achieving deep "Green" using the most advanced systems and technologies available. The space features three different building methods, each implemented for optimal performance, including Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) for below grade spaces, Advanced Framing 24" on Center for above grade walls and Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) for the roof. A Daikin air-to-water heat pump system provides radiant heat, forced air heat, air conditioning and domestic hot water all in one unit using 10-27 amps for the entire 7,000 sq ft residential and commercial space. A unique outdoor water feature doubles as a cistern for rainwater roof run-off and grey water collection from the Japanese hot springs infinity spa tub and is used to irrigate the on-site food production

A tiny yellow “warbox” style home (the “LemonDrop”) is transformed with a two-story passive solar addition and a green (vegetated) roof. This is an excellent example of affordable green strategies and will be a great tour stop for people in a small home who want to know what can be done with a tight budget. With a focus on healthy home design, the addition features non-toxic building materials and finishes, natural ventilation strategies, and no carpet. The passive solar design incorporates energy-efficient construction, large south-facing triple-paned windows, and a stained concrete floor to create a space that is heated with the sun (even on cloudy days). The second story loft contains an office that houses two businesses, reducing the need for commuting and allowing for good integration of green office practices. The site design includes rainwater harvesting, native and edible landscaping, garden beds, and three adorable chickens who enjoy their own green-roofed coop.