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LEED-Platinum Affordable: Kenyon House

January 15, 2009

SEATTLE,WA: Kenyon House, located in the New Holly neighborhood of Seattle, received LEED Platinum for Homes certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC). The project, completed September 2008, is the first multi-family affordable housing project in Washington to receive Platinum (nation-wide only the second). The team of Greg Linnell, James Welch, and Wendy Kato, with assistance from O’Brien & Company consultants, worked closely with the owner/developer team and Christina Bollo of SMR Architects to achieve the project’s goals for a healthy and energy-efficient environment. The owners (a collaboration of non-profits including Building Changes, Housing Resources Group, and Sound Mental Health) praised Walsh’s commitment throughout the project as “instrumental in making the sustainability goals a reality ... [their] detailed records and good lines of communication improved the LEED process management as well as the overall sustainability of the project.”

Kenyon House’s 12,700 SF includes 18 units of affordable, secure housing and targeted resources for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Radiant heating and passive cooling systems, and mold resistant finishes promote indoor air quality. To maximize passive solar heating and light, the building is situated on the East-West axis of the site. A highly efficient, all-copper boiler system supplies heat and hot water.

The Walsh crews created a durable base molding specifically for the hallway and kitchen area on the first floor, efficiently keeping to schedule. “One of my favorite details was the rounded corners on the drywall along the common areas,” said Greg Linnell, WCC’s Project Manager, “the finish crew, led by Shannon Morey, did an awesome job setting the base molding around the curves.” Greg recalls, “our biggest success was the great communication we had with the owner and architect.”

Kenyon House opened its doors on October 21, 2008. The project has been praised for achieving ambitious sustainable goals under a tight budget. 

 

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