This single-family home, with accessory dwelling unit (ADU), seeks to maximize indoor-outdoor flow and green technology to create a sense of natural refuge in an urban setting. The building exterior is intended to integrate into its older, established Queen Anne neighborhood. A quiet approach to design is reflected in the detailing and finishes, guard railings, awnings, screens, and cabinetry. Energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and water conservation, as part of a “LEED for Home” accreditation, were major design goals.

After considering a variety of upgrade options for an existing, and very tired, 1919 structure, the decision was made to teardown and rebuild. This afforded the opportunity to incorporate a range of green design features, flexibility in use of space, and excellent sound separation between the single-family residence and ADU. Zoning challenges required maintaining the height of certain elements of the prior non-conforming structure, resulting in the creative use of stepped transitions and indirect soffit lighting.

Transitions between interior and exterior spaces are designed to embrace the Northwest climate, year round, with wide opening doors, rain shelters and open sky decks. Large windows are placed to maximize natural light and enhance exceptional views.

The design provides flexible space so the house can easily adapt to changing occupant needs. For example, the ADU, comprised of two ground floor rooms, can be divided so that a portion of the ADU can be closed off and converted to office space, a bedroom, or an exercise room, as part of the upper level residence. The main floor can also convert to single-floor living for aging occupants who may be unable to climb stairs.

Indoor air quality is achieved through careful selection of building materials to minimize use of volatile organic compounds. Additional steps to improve air quality include carefully planned ventilation and air filtration systems as well as functional details, such as shoe storage at the main entrance.

Energy efficiency is achieved through passive cooling design and high efficiency forced-air heating with multiple zone controls for the upper floors. The ground floor ADU space has its own radiant floor heating system with two independently controlled heating zones. High efficiency LED lighting and energy star appliances and fans are used throughout the house, along with a well-insulated building envelope.

Water conservation practices are incorporated through low flow water fixtures and appliances, drought-resistant landscaping that obviates the need for irrigation, and a rain-garden catchment system to restore a portion of roof-collected rainwater to the natural aquifer.