The weathered exterior is on trend and at home with the neighbors, a mix of contemporary and 1940s dwellings in Seattle’s Ballard district. But this house is more than a pretty face. Hewing to Built Green’s highest rating, it’s Emerald Star-certified and so named. A 6.6kw solar array satisfies Built Green’s requirement of achieving net-zero energy using renewable resources. The framing package is FSC-certified wood; exterior siding consists of reclaimed Douglas Fir and steel roofing panels from a cannery (the panels also serve as a rainscreen). Floors, stairs, and treads were built from 100-year-old hardwoods. Countertops, cabinets, and tile are made nearby from high-recycled content. High-performance wood-framed windows and doors, a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system, and a 450% efficient hot water heat pump that provides hot water and in-floor radiant heat all help this home be an energy miser. “The project proves that this level of green building is attainable and cost effective for builders,” says Anthony Maschmedt, principal of Dwell Development. “We hope others follow our lead.”

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