Seattle-based design/build firm Dwell Development LLC partnered with architect Julian Weber to realize this net-zero house in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood. The eco-friendly digs combine modern design with consciously chosen, local materials, that are either natural, recycled, or repurposed.
Concrete from the public sidewalk that was dug up during construction was used for the pathway leading up to the house.
The three-story home is spread out over 3,140-square feet and uses salvaged wood and corrugated metal from a barn in the Willamette Valley on the exterior. The metal was used as siding and for the fence. The exterior was also coated with Enviro-Dri, a weather-resistive barrier, instead of using the traditional house paper typically chosen to prevent moisture from seeping in.
The barn wood was used to build out the soffits above the deck.
The roof is decked out with solar panels that convert energy to usable electricity, offsetting the energy use caused by the homeowners.
Triple pane windows keep the house warm inside during the colder months, while the Heat Recovery Ventilator gives the home constant fresh air.
The concrete floors have radiant heating, which helps keep the energy usage down.
The same corrugated metal from the exterior was brought inside and used as a finishing detail at the top of the stairs.
Photos by Tucker English.