RESIDENTIAL REMODEL Queen Anne Renovation, Seattle, WA The Queen Anne project involved the complete renovation on an existing two story duplex. Starting from the ground up, the client wanted to renovate in an environmentally friendly way. The site was left largely undisturbed through the building process. The landscaping was developed with native plants and trees. The entire second floor was gutted, and the ceiling was opened up with an innovative structural system of steel rods, turnbuckles and hardware. Much of the building material waste was recycled: wood, metal, cardboard, sheetrock, windows and appliances. Environmentally friendly products used included formaldehyde free cabinets, less toxic paint, sustainable hardwoods, formaldehyde free insulation, a radiant heat system and insulated windows. Existing large windows on the south side allowed a large amount of natural light. Not only were products safer during application and residency, many provided greater indoor air quality, energy efficiency and lower maintenance. This client took sustainable design seriously and has set the tone for future projects.
PROJECT DETAILS
Energy:
Client selected radiant baseboard heat (gas boiler) for remodel at second story.
Site:
Largely undisturbed. Landscaped with native plants and trees.
Waste:
Limited and recycled (sent wood, metal, cardboard appliances, doors and windows to salvage store)
Materials:
Recycled lumber culled from other remodel projects, recycled concrete, drywall, bricks, appliances, windows, doors. Reused original framing where possible.
Original fir floors:
Carefully preserved, lightly sanded and refinished.
Bamboo floors:
Sustainably harvested, fast growing plant, 25% harder than red oak
Marmoleum floors:
Made of Natural raw materials such as linseed oil, pine rosins and natural pigments. No adverse health effect in production, use or disposal. Durable, easy to maintain and fire resistant.
Windows:
Double insulated windows and low-E glass (lower heating costs: cooler in summer, warmer in winter).
Cabinets:
APEX WoodCraft cabinets, made out of Medite (a formaldehyde-free particle board).
Appliances:
Amana Dishwasher: Energy Star compliant Burnham Series 2 PV gas boiler: More efficient and economical heat than standard electric furnace. Amtrol hot water maker: Indirect-fired water heater
Indoor Air Quality:
Low toxic paints (low VOC paint: safer during application and residence) Radiant heat system (not air-driven: greater indoor air quality) Icynene insulation (no VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions, no formaldehyde, no ozone-destroying CFC’s)
Integration:
South-facing windows, super insulated roof system, open rooms with glass doors for more light.
Goals:
Energy efficiency and low maintenance. Light, airy, beautiful rental suite.
What Makes it Green? 2002
Submitted to AIA Seattle Committee on the Environment
Exhibited at the Seattle Convention Center
Designer:
Vicky Opperman, Opperman Design
Contractor:
Tere Carranza, Greenwood Remodeling, Inc.
Consultants:
Tere Carranza, Greenwood Remodeling, Inc. Ted Granger, Architect
Steve Farvour, Putnam Collins Scott Associates, Inc.
