Buildings or developments that are verified and certified as “net zero operational energy and/or carbon.” The building should demonstrate the highest levels of energy efficiency with the use of either renewables generated onsite or renewable energy procured offsite.
JW Architects has been on a four-year journey to design, build and achieve Net Zero Energy in their new office building, located at 1257 South King Street in Seattle. Their office is the only second office building in Seattle to achieve certification. In 2014, JW Architects selected the site in the urban core of Seattle for its proximity to their homes, projects, and transit options. The project supports alternate transit with bike parking, showers and clothes storage. “We worked as a team to create a building we could all stand behind,” said Julian Weber, Founding Principal. “Our vision included net-zero energy use, balanced daylighting and flexibility for future growth. Every employee at the firm had a role in the building, making it a uniquely collaborative process.” The 2-story, 3,600 SF office building has blown-in insulation, LED lighting, a tight envelope, and windows placed for views but minimal heat loss or gain. The natural light that floods the building also allows the occupants to go through their workdays with minimal overhead light. The saw-tooth roofline and clerestory windows support energy efficiency goals and complement the industrial nature of the food manufacturing buildings in the neighborhood. The architecture and landscape were inspired by Japanese minimalism. Simple lap siding covers the east and west facades, and traditional Japanese Shoji screens influenced the design of the north and south facades. To make the journey come full circle, King Street was awarded an Honorable Mention at the 2017 AIA Seattle Honor Awards
Our vision included net-zero energy use, balanced daylighting and flexibility for future growth. Every employee at the firm had a role in the building, making it a uniquely collaborative process.
