A New Nest

Our Seattle client’s home had gone through various stages of incarnation throughout the years, enduring about 5 remodels, all of which appeared to be going in different directions. The result felt chopped up and incoherent and they wished for a more pleasing, functional, simple, modern palate. After much thought and many years, they decided the best idea was to start from scratch. They have a wonderful view and love their neighborhood. Staying put and reinvesting in their property makes sense.

Lee just completed basic plans- a first evolution- with tweakings still to be determined. I was dabbing the drool from my chin, as the renderings appeared on my screen. It’s beautiful. Brook and Chris requested a 3 story, modern, sustainably built home, and they were crazy about Lee’s style from the start. They’ll incorporate solar pv (photovoltaic- electric) and hot water systems. May just pre-wire and introduce the systems later, but the couple definitely intend to make use of solar energy. In addition, the design will include lots of natural light and passive solar design.

Dan will produce a well built structure with a tight envelope- built with SIPS construction (a specific request from Chris and Brook) for the roofing and walls, for maximum insulation and strength. Will insulate the concrete, though may not use insulated concrete forms (ICF’s), per say. They’ll super insulate, nonetheless, because that’s what they do as a matter of course. A rain screen siding w/ a 1x material between layers will help provide additional protection from the elements.

Much or all of the flooring will be made of a light weight, finished concrete to create thermal mass. The idea is that there will be a ‘reverse cycle chiller’ (most un-technical term) effect to create hot water in the floors on all 3 levels. The heat should warm up the spaces uniformly, instead of just below the spots where the (water) tubes are. Sounds like it’s based on a system similar to a ground source heat pump. A few options with similar themes to ponder. Brook and Chris will use spot area rugs, but may bring in a little cork or bamboo, or wood- still time to decide. They’ll use non-toxic building products and practices to ensure good indoor air quality.

The project will require demolition of the entire current home, so special care will be given to the process. They’ll employ recycled waste collection practices such as source separated (single stream) or commingled materials (where they are later separated out for material use). They’ll use selective demo and get those items that can be re-sold or re-used to the proper organizations for responsible material use.

Brook and Chris may get the process Built Green certified, but they are building it for their family, don’t intend to move and aren’t concerned with re-sale or branding. They wanted to build a smart, simple, sustainable structure and don’t foresee a move, but may look into LEED certification and/or Built Green. Will break ground this summer. Stay tuned…