Set on 4.93 acres among Washington’s coastal wetland plains, this 2,538 square foot home in Everson, Washington recognizes the importance of conserving wetland habitats and the wildlife they support. Built on the only high spot, it looks south over heavily protected coastal prairie and wetlands.

Strengthening the relationship between the house and its treasured wetlands, all roof water is collected from a zinc-free metal roof and piped from a central sump to splash blocks draining to the wetland. The central sump can also be directed toward the native planting and vegetable garden to reduce potable water use for irrigation. Taking full advantage of the home’s southern orientation, the 10.8 kW of roof-mounted solar panels produce a net-positive 4250 kWh surplus each year. Two roof overhangs from the clerestory design shade the southern-facing triple-glazed Vinyltek windows. Other passive strategies used to keep residents comfortable all year long include minimal glazing on the east and west facades.

The home’s envelope consists of 6.5” SIP walls, a 10.25” SIP roof, and 4” foam under the mass of the concrete slab-on-grade, with the slab-edge stem walls encased in foam insulated concrete forms (ICF). The reduced second floor admits daylight into the center of the house, brightening the space, reducing glare from window walls, and connecting the inhabitants to the environment. This SIPs construction is a post-and-beam method that exposes the structural lumber details, resonating with its timber-centric Pacific Northwest setting. This structural detail is logical to the eye, and the wallet, and is replicated in the 8x8 exterior cedar posts and the complex kitchen beamwork.

Significant advances in home comfort are provided by the state-of-the-art heating and mechanical systems. The Zehnder Q600 heat recovery ventilator (HRV) wirelessly controls the in-line ComfoPost heating and cooling coil that is powered by the electric Chiltrix CX34 air-to-water heat pump to distribute conditioned air throughout the home via internal ducts. The whole-house battery wiring and Alexa-controlled blinds, lighting, and electronics ensure the home is future-ready for everything Mother Nature brings, while leaving only a light zero-emissions footprint.