The Cottage Company integrated many of the project’s details early in the design process, from stormwater mitigation to architectural spaces and finished materials to mechanical systems.
These two modern, low country-style homes sit between the Lake Forest Park Town Center and the beach along Lake Washington. The project aids the area’s larger mitigation efforts to restore the lower reach of Lyons Creek, which is an urban salmon-bearing stream, and re-establish two wetlands after the Lyons Creek flooded in 2007. In doing so, it mitigates most of the stormwater on-site through permeable hardscaping, native landscaping, and rain gardens.
Vital Stats
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Section
|
Points
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Location: Lake Forest Park
Star Level: 4-Star
Checklist: Single-family/townhouse new construction
Verifier: Evergreen Certified |
Site and Water |
180 |
| Energy Efficiency |
107 |
| Health and Indoor Air Quality |
91 |
| Material Efficiency |
85 |
| |
Total Score |
531 |
The architectural design reflects forethought into the diversity of living situations and spaces. The addition of an accessory dwelling unit above the garage in each house can accommodate a large family, mother-in-law, multi-generational housing, or an extra tenant. Each home utilizes varying ceiling heights to create unconventional gathering spaces like a top-floor reading nook and a wraparound porch with a double-swing barn-style door to connect the indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.
Each material was specifically picked for its aesthetic integration into the low country style, as well as its green attributes. Many materials used on this project were locally produced (within 500 miles), namely cabinets, framing lumber, decking, handrails, pavers, drywall, millwork, and siding. The interior finishes also include GreenGuard certified paint, insulation, and luxury vinyl plank flooring, along with Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified sourcing hardwood flooring and wool carpet.
Energy efficient features include a hybrid heat pump water heater coupled with low-flow plumbing fixtures, ducted and ductless mini-splits for space heating and cooling, LED lighting with dimmer switches, and a spot ERV to ensure fresh air within the home. The cottages reflect a very thoughtful way of mitigating stormwater on-site and attention to detail of design within space, materiality, and energy efficiency.
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Built Green Highlights
Site and Water
- Buffer mitigation for Lyons Creek (by The Watershed Group)
- 100 percent permeable hardscaping and supplemental rain gardens
- No turf grass
- Near Lake Forest Park’s transit-oriented development
Energy Efficiency
- 37 percent more energy efficient than code
- All LED lighting with dimmer switches throughout
- Ducted and ductless mini-splits
- Hybrid heat pump water heater