Multifamily developers are bullish on the sector, with FMI’s Construction Outlook Report predicting 25% growth next year on top of this year’s blistering 36% pace. From a sustainability standpoint, much of the most interesting work is clustered at the ends of the bell curve, in both the luxury and affordable categories.
A singular high-end example is the zHome project, a 10-unit attached townhouse development in Issaquah Highlands, Wash. Designed by David Vandervort Architects, zHome is the nation’s first net-zero multifamily project, as certified this year by the International Living Future Institute. The property also achieved Living Building Challenge Petal Recognition in the Energy, Equity, and Beauty categories, and has earned the WaterSense for New Homes label (another first for the sector).
Though not “luxury” per se, the contemporary one-, two-, and three-bedroom units launched at relatively high prices for the market, topping out at $625,000. Nevertheless the homes, which range from 800 to 1,750 sf, have all been sold, except one unit reserved as a Stewardship Center for educational outreach.
The zHome dream survived a rocky history, including the 2008 economic crash and a succession of three contractors. Ultimately built by Howland Homes and Ichijo USA in collaboration with the City of Issaquah, the project includes super-insulated envelope technology, ground-source heating, and generous deployment of PV, which covers large, south-facing roof planes.
PHOTO: AARON OSTROWSKY
Water strategies should cut average usage by at least 60% through a combination of drought-tolerant landscaping, high-efficiency plumbing and laundry equipment, and use of cistern-stored rainwater for toilet flushing and clothes washing.
Brad Liljequist—zHome’s project manager, now a Technical Director for the International Living Future Institute—spread the net-zero gospel in a series of blogs for Dwell magazine. He lists micro heat pumps, better industrial design (for instance, more beautiful wall-mounted heating/cooling units), safer building materials, and deep green retrofits as priorities for further progress in the sector.
“We are undergoing a revolution in building performance, driven mainly from a grassroots, local, and regional community,” he said. “We can change, fundamentally and quickly.”
Related Stories
| Nov 16, 2011
John Patelski joins Ghafari as executive vice president
As executive vice president, Patelski will be responsible for expanding the firm’s services in new strategic markets.
| Nov 15, 2011
Struggling economy demands construction industry embrace enterprise-wide risk management
In today’s business environment of high supply and limited demand, it has become especially vital for organizations in the construction sector to effectively manage risk.
| Nov 15, 2011
Suffolk Construction breaks ground on the Victor housing development in Boston
Project team to manage construction of $92 million, 377,000 square-foot residential tower.
| Nov 15, 2011
Miller joins Perkins Eastman as regional manager, Middle East and Northern Africa
Miller joins Perkins Eastman with more than 48 years of experience in architecture, design management, and construction administration for planning and infrastructure.
| Nov 14, 2011
Summit Design+Build selected at GC for new Office Concepts headquarters
The new headquarters will include 17,000 sf of office space and 15,000 sf of warehouse and feature 24 ft ceilings, an open floor plan, two conference rooms and one training room and will feature sustainable finishes throughout.
| Nov 14, 2011
Griffin Electric completes electrical work at Cary Arts Center
The Griffin Electric team was responsible for replacing the previous electrical service on-site with a 1000A, 480/277V service and providing electrical feeds for a new fire pump chiller, six air-handlers and two elevators.
| Nov 14, 2011
303 East 33rd Street building achieves LEED-NC
The 165,000 sf 12-story residential building is the first green development to be LEED certified in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan.
| Nov 14, 2011
VanSumeren appointed to Traco general manager
VanSumeren will draw on his more than 20 years of experience in manufacturing management and engineering to deliver operational and service excellence and drive profitable growth for Traco.
