Green Building & Sustainable Development
Ashworth Cottages Greenest Home in Washington State with LEED Platinum Certification
Pryde + Johnson, a leading developer of high quality green and sustainable homes, has received the highest award for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for its Ashworth Cottages model home by achieving Platinum Certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), making it the first home in Washington State to attain this honor, setting a new standard for building green and sustainable homes and communities.
Ashworth Cottages is one of only seven homes in the nation to achieve LEED Platinum Certification by the USGBC -- the highest level certification offered. LEED for homes is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design and construction of high performance green buildings. Developed and sponsored by the USGBC, LEED is a rigorous rating system that establishes a common standard of measurement for what constitutes green building. All LEED certified homes are third party inspected and performance tested providing validation of the homes green features.
A catalyst for change, Pryde + Johnson is leading the way with Ashworth Cottages by demonstrating what is possible to achieve when building to highest standards for energy savings and environmental design. Ashworth Cottages is a model for renewing urban spaces and building sustainable, environmentally friendly communities.
Ashworth Cottages homes offer a complete package of environmental and sustainable features that benefit the homeowner, the community and the environment. "The Pryde + Johnson design team took an integrated approach to building Ashworth Cottages targeting the highest green standards and LEED certification from the onset," said Curt Pryde, principal, Pryde + Johnson. Ashworth Cottages community of homes is designed to reflect and compliment the architecture and heritage of the surrounding neighborhood and to build community. Among the homes high performance environmental features are its:
- Innovative, Custom Designed Heat Recovery Ventilation System - A dedicated system connecting the homes indoor/outdoor air exchange and high level air filter system with the hot water system providing heat, air conditioning and 100% air exchange while filtering out more than 95% of airborne particles providing a healthier home and energy savings estimated at $300 per year.
- On-demand hot water system - Instant hot water is available at the push of a button saving both energy and water.
- Energy Efficient - Ashworth Cottages use as much as 50% less energy than similar sized homes built to state code. The homes are BUILT SMART and ENERGYSTAR certified, guaranteeing that the homes will be more comfortable, save money and conserve resources. Lighting fixtures alone save more than 85,000 kWh annually and contribute 51 metric tons of CO2 Avoidance which is the equivalent of removing 34 vehicles from the road every year.
- Smaller Homes Minimize the Environmental Footprint - The cottage homes optimize the functional use of space and provide comfort with less square footage. The community of 20 homes exists in the space of what would traditionally be six residential homes without looking or feeling like it.
- Located in the City Revitalizing Urban Space - The new community of single family homes is located in Seattle, on a previously developed site, on the edge of Green Lake's commercial core and park providing easy access to businesses and recreation.
- Efficient Water Use - The homes use only high efficiency fixtures and dual-flush toilets, which are calculated to reduce net water usage by 40%. A rainwater cistern provides all the water necessary for landscaped areas that feature native and drought tolerant plants thereby eliminating the need for municipal water for irrigation saving natural resources and the homeowner's money.
- Substantial Use of Locally Sourced Materials - All paints, windows, counter tops, brick masonry and framing materials are locally sourced which results in reduced transportation impacts and supports the local economy.
- Recycling - More than 90% of construction waste from the project has been recycled, diverting it out of landfills, as is the standard practice for all Pryde + Johnson projects. Brick and terra cotta building materials from the structure previously on the site have been salvaged and reclaimed for use in the landscape features. Structural timbers from the previous structure have been reused in the cottages common building. Recycled content materials used in the home include custom concrete countertops with recycled glass, tiles, carpets, and Trex decking is used for backyard decks.
- Indoor Air Quality - Zero-Voc interior paint is used; reducing the amount of VOC's found inside and significantly improving indoor air quality. Vehicle emissions protection is ensured with carbon monoxide detectors installed in rooms above the garages and living spaces are tightly sealed. Garages have exhaust fans with timers linked to the garage door, programmed to stay running until exhaust is gone. Formaldehyde-free interior doors and millwork eliminate formaldehyde exposure altogether.
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