Keller Residence
This project involved extensive remodel of an existing single-family house. The owner wanted to start fresh with a new home but didn't want to waste perfectly good material or contribute unnecessarily to landfill volumes. The existing foundation and garage were retained and the new house built above and around, with a new section of foundation added along the south side of the house.

To help reduce waste on the project, the ReStore was brought in for a full deconstruction. Any materials that were able to be reused in the new home (including framing lumber, light fixtures, and appliances) were set aside for storage while any materials not being reused on site were sold to the ReStore to be used in other houses. As a result of these and other efforts during construction, the home achieved a 76% job site recycling rate. Only the third remodel/addition to earn Built Green 5-star certification, the home was published in the New York Times and Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Rear (yard) elevation
Site at completion of demolition - existing foundation and garage remain
 Front (street) elevation
Front porch

 Stair

 Stairwell daylight
The owner, nearing retirement, wanted a home that she could grow old in. A straight-run stair was designed to accommodate a future chair lift for accessibility to the upper floor as the owner ages, and bathrooms are provided with blocking for future grab bars. Light and views were also important considerations. The living/dining room, office and master bedroom were all oriented toward the back yard to the east. A crafts room on the south end of the second floor takes advantage of windows on three sides. Southern light in the crafts room and the adjacent stairwell is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the house.
Cellulose insulation, hydronic heat manifold Blower door test (4.4 ACH50)

 Heat recovery ventilator (HRV)
Double row of 2x4 exterior wall studs allowed for R-30 insulation in the walls rather than code minimum R-21. Attic insulation was doubled over code minimums to R-60. Radiant heat was selected and coupled with a heat recovery ventilator for improved air quality and system efficiency. A blower door test was performed to confirm the home's air-tightness. All heating and mechanical equipment is located inside heated space, save for the hot water heater which for space considerations was located in the unheated garage and wrapped in rigid insulation.
Patio made from concrete demolished on site Bathroom sink found by owner at Re-store
The owner's enthusiasm for reuse carried far beyond demolition into nearly every aspect of the home. Pieces of concrete salvaged from the demolition of the original driveway were used as pavers for a back yard patio and for planting bed walls along the east and south sides of the house. Existing kitchen cabinets were reused for storage in the garage. Several light fixtures were salvaged from the owner's previous home and more were found at the ReStore, adding character to the home and lowering costs. The master bath sink was also a ReStore find. Left over flooring from a remodel to the owner's previous home was used in the new residence as well.
Original house from street Original house from back yard