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Questions & Answers
We would like to take a minute to simplify some of the selections Greenlite has made regarding building material choices and philosophical choices. What design decisions have influenced our current project?
Much emphasis is placed on design, sustainability, health and value. We decided on a location that blends the closeness to downtown with a country-like setting. Given the proximity to downtown Seattle and the suburban neighborhood, we went with a Northwest Contemporary look. With the involvement of Northwest local architect Matt Wasse, we were able to produce site specific custom home plans; the homes are inspired by their setting. The buildings have clean modern lines, numerous windows and skylights to take advantage of each site and its natural light and a celebration of locally produced materials providing a wealth of finishes. Why build Energy star homes?
The choice to build homes that perform 20% better is to certify a more comfortable, better quality home that saves homeowners money. The high performance insulation produces an environment that is quieter, naturally stays warmer during the winter and cooler during the winter. The windows let heat in during cooler months but reduce the uptake of energy during warmer days. The wall insulation also happens to be made from recycled cellulose and has less volatile chemicals than fiberglass equivalents. The radiant heating system not only is more efficient and healthier than conventional forced air systems, it also provides a more comfortable environment with fewer fluctuations in temperature. Once more it has been indignantly confirmed by a third party Energy Star verifier thereby ensuring homeowners the savings they expect. Why build green?
We feel it is a continuation of a Northwest tradition to be responsive to the environment’s needs and responsive to an individual’s wants. Built Green means choosing quality long lasting materials that are readily renewable or even re-used from other sources and projects. Building green also results in a healthier home by eliminating or reducing harmful chemicals. It’s good for homeowners and it is good for environment. Material choices such as 50 year siding and 50 year roofing mean long-term savings for home-owners in both monetary terms and time. These two materials also have recycled content which saves in environmental costs by lessening our impact on the earth. The linoleum / Vinyl Composite Tile used contains recycled material, less toxic chemicals and is longer lasting than comparable non-green flooring. Recycled content can be found throughout the houses in the wall board, under the driveway, in the composite plastic lumber and even in the insulation that provides superior heating and cooling properties. To top it all off, the product choices and installation have been verified and inspected by an independent third party, the Built Green program. You can rest assured that the homes are built to a more sustainable higher standard, a greener standard. Building green also ensures that a home is more desirable whenever it comes time to move on. Finally, we build a more comfortable home, designed to fit in with its surroundings, a longer lasting home, a home good for health, your wallet and the environment. A Northwest home. A Greenlite home. |
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