“Opening a new office in a convenient Capitol Hill location is an important step towards providing excellent client service”, says Owner and Designated Broker Eva Otto.

Infiniti has a wide range of real estate clients and services, including commercial leasing, traditional buying and selling, land search and development for new construction and consulting for buying land overseas. What makes Infiniti RED a unique brokerage is that clients get introduced to the concepts of healthy homes, energy efficient homes, and sustainability.

 For more information please call 206-235-6925 or email eva@infinitiRED.com

Announcing the New Paradigm Series from Method Homes

 Method Home’s newest prefab design by Bogue Trondowshi Architects will be unveiled this November at the USGBC Greenbuild conference in San Francisco. The Paradigm prototype is the first of it’s kind, achieving the highest standards in green building and coming fully loaded with a modern package of luxury furnishings, energy-efficient technologies, and high-tech features.
In an exclusive one-time offer, the Paradigm prototype is now available for sale and looking for new home near the San Francisco area!

Method Homes has partnered with stellar group of sponsors to make the Paradigm prototype a unique residential home, work studio, retreat space or guest house. America Solar has installed a 4kW solar system, which combined with Mecho Systems’ Automated Shading System, Insulfoam’s R-28 recyclable foam insulation, Thermafiber’s R-45 ceiling batt insulation (90% recycled content) and Juno Lighting Group’s new WarmDim zero mercury LED lighting technology, this home will be able to comfortably produce all it’s own energy needs allowing it to go on or off-grid. In addition technologies requiring low inputs of energy have been installed including LG Hausys’ appliance package (dishwasher, 2 LED TV’s, dual washer/dryer, 3 door French refrigerator and HVAC system), Big Ass Fans’ ceiling fan (requiring 80% less energy than conventional fans), and Panasonic’s WhisperGreen exhaust fan and energy recovery ventilator. These technologies as well as AO Smith’s hybrid heat pump and hot water heater can in part be controlled remotely from Lutron’shome automation system closing the loop in efficiencies for this high-tech home.

The Paradigm comes with custom built in couch, murphy bed, desk area, and dining room set

In addition to being zero net energy, the Paradigm prefab also has the capability of capturing and recycling all it’s own water needs. Thanks to Water Storage Tank’s galvanized steel water retention tank this home can capture and filter up to 5000 gallons of rainwater. After using the rainwater Flotender’s greywater system has the ability to reclaim and filter greywater from the sink, shower and Infinity Drain’s curbless shower and disperse it into an aquaponic system planted with Sunnyside Organics urban agriculture plants. The Paradigm prefab reaches zero net energy with the use of Eco Dry’s urine diverting toilet for composting systems and the use of low flow water bathroom and kitchen fixtures from Hans Grohe/Axor.

The Paradigm Series achieves zero net energy and zero net water

Thanks to Method’s partners the Paradigm prefab is built with the greenest materials available for indoor air quality including Zero VOC paints by Sherwin Williams, FSC non-formaldehyde Bamboo cabinets from Urbanata, renewable hardwood flooring and decking from Bamboo Hardwoods, and Certainteed’s recycled content mold-resistant gypsum board. Siga provided VOC and formaldehyde-free tapes and membranes, Roseberg Lumber provided FSC and non-formaldehyde wood for construction and Resource Furniture custom installed a series of convertible non-off gassing furniture including Murphy bed, couch, adjustable desk and dining room set.

This amazing home combines form and function in unparalleled style. Thanks to Sustainable Northwest Wood for FSC wood clad siding, Western Window Systems for a wall of windows that expands the homes living space to the outdoors, Cascadia’s triple glazed windows and doors, Daltile’s eco-tile in the kitchen and bath and Squak Mountain’s custom kitchen countertops.

The Paradigm Prototype achieves 4 out of 6 petals for Living Buildings. There is an opportunity for a 5th petal for site selection.

The Paradigm prototype qualifies for 4 of 6 petals awarded to Living Buildings – including Zero Net Energy, Zero Net Water, Indoor Air Quality and Beauty and Inspiration. The Paradigm will also be certified LEED Platinum.

For more information about purchasing the Paradigm prototype contact Eva Otto at Infiniti Real Estate 206-235-6925 or email eva@infinitiRED.com. For more information regarding sales of future Paradigm Series homes and Method Home’s real estate referral program contact Brian Abramson at 206-789.5553 or email brian@methodhomes.net.

View of Lake WA in Laurelhurst

Located just steps from the Burke-Gilman trail with stunning views of Lake Washington this new construction home combines all the ingredients of a green home with modern luxury, durability and convenience.

Large Great Room overlooks Lk WA

Building scientist and homebuilder of 22 years Bob Lodwig has always been committed to building energy-efficient homes. This spring he’s taking his experience to a new level of superior quality in Laurelhurst by adding a combination of solar power, super insulation, electric radiant heat, LED lighting, and a closed circuit system that allows power to be shut down when not being used. He is also wiring the house for a home automation system that allows you to monitor and control the home’s energy use from anywhere in the world.

Lodwig is not stopping with energy efficiency. He is building a modern green home for the future that will include a 1300 gallon storage tank for rainwater harvesting, an organic garden, and an in-house living wall built to improve indoor air quality and embellish the living environment in the home. He is also recycling 95% of all his construction debris in an effort to reduce landfill waste.

High ceilings, stone hearth and fireplace and a living wall will all be features included in the main living area.

Lodwig is a strong advocate for building homes for the future. He is pioneering a Historical Home Information Record, which will detail the specifications for the mechanical, electrical and green features of the home. He hopes that one day all homes record such information with the city as a historical record for future generations.

Designed and built by Lodwig, this home offers a thoughtful floor plan perfect for any number of homebuyers.

For more information about real estate in Laurelhurst or Seattle please contact Eva@infinitiRED.comor call 206-235-6925.

What better way to celebrate Earth Day weekend then to get an up close and personal look at what people are doing to green up their homes around the Puget Sound?! The 2012 Seattle Green Home Tour, hosted by the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild, takes place April 21st – 22nd from 10am – 4pm daily, and is free and open to the public.

The tour itself features an open house style, self-guided excursion of local, green homes, remodels, and energy retrofits in the Seattle area and Eastside. There are 20+ amazing projects and homes on the tour, with guides and project professionals on hand to answer all your questions! Visit Seattle Green Home Tour to see all the sites, which are divided into clusters and mapped out for your convenience.

Join Us in Celebrating the Grand Opening of Clearwater Commons!
This deep green cohousing project on Bothell’s North Creek is one of the sites on this year’s Green Home Tour, but is also celebrating the completion of the first phase of new homes. Touring this site will provide you with a glimpse of a wide range of eco-building techniques, including low impact development, 4 new green homes with pin pile foundations built by Cascade Built, the Mini-B Passive House, comprehensive stream restoration, and the use of solar energy. Tour the site 10am – 4pm throughout the weekend or stop by during our scheduled Open House on Sunday 1-4pm. 1402 194th St SE, Bothell, WA 98012 – Map

Additionally, this year’s Green Home Tour includes a Saturday EcoExpo at GreenDepot in South Seattle which will feature green suppliers, sustainable products, and contractors, with food, fun, and entertainment.

Sunday will feature energy-focused workshops at Green Home Solutions in North Queen Anne with demonstrations of blower door testing, duct-blasting, air-sealing, combustion safety, and more.

All events are kid-friendly and great for the whole family. Programs and tour maps are available online at SeattleGreenHomeTour.org, and are also printed in Seattle Natural Awakenings magazine, April edition (see back cover).

We hope to see you out & about this weekend!

Alley House 2 by Cascade Built

Designed by award-winning David Foster Architects, this new 3BR/2BA, 1687sf single-family home is located next door to the company’s acclaimed “Alley House” and dubbed the Alley House 2 for its location on an infill lot accessible by alley way.

The Alley House 2 was prefabricated in modular components by Seattle-based Method Homes, and delivered to the site in November (watch time-lapse video of crane-in). It will be certified LEED Platinum, the highest certification possible, making it one of the city’s few prefab LEED homes.

Come MEET THE PROJECT TEAM,  TAKE A TOUR and enjoy light refreshments!!

Located in the heart of Madison Valley – known as the French corridor – the Alley House 2 is ten blocks from Seattle’s newly revived Pike/Pine corridor and new Light Rail station, and just one mile from downtown Seattle. 216-B 26th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112 (Google Map).

For more information www.infinitired.com/LEED_Prefab.html or call Danielle Johnson, 206.679.0185.

The NAHB Remodelers of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB 50+ Housing Council, and AARP developed the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) program to address the growing number of homeowners who overwhelmingly prefer to age in place, which means living in their home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level.

CAPS graduates include remodelers, builders, designers, architects, occupational therapists with the skills and knowledge necessary to consult with older or disabled homeowners and homebuyers on remodeling or modifying a home to meet their unique needs.

Cally, who was one of the original founding partners of Elderwise (a senior enrichment program based on creative aging) in Capitol Hill, decided to take the CAPS course so she could better assist friends and clients who are now looking to transition into homes that they would very much like to spend the rest of their lives in. The issues that arise when thinking about aging-in-place or ensuring a home can accommodate multiple generations, range from accessibility and functionality to comfort and energy-efficiency, which Cally sees as a natural evolution of her ongoing work with green homes and sustainable communities.

“A sustainable home is not only healthy, efficient and comfortable, but should meet all of a homeowner’s needs for many, many years to come,” says Cally. “And, I am excited to help more people understand just what those needs might be, for themselves or their aging parents.”

Cally works closely with her daughter Danielle Johnson, also a real estate broker and a healthy home professional, as well as her husband JR Fulton, a LEED AP Architect and green building consultant. To contact Cally Fulton call 206.786.5061.

Green & ENERGY STAR Home Appraising: How Agents Affect the Process

The zHome team is pleased to be offering this new clock hour course for real estate professionals on-site at zHome on Jan 10th, 2012! Register today to reserve your spot.

This 7 clock hour CE course is designed to give the real estate agent in WA a thorough knowledge of green and energy efficient features and their benefits from the appraiser’s perspective. You will learn to identify the specific components of green and energy efficient homes with an understanding of the added value these components bring, as well as which components have social/marketing value and which have quantitative value.

Agents completing the course will know exactly how to work with the appraisal process to the benefit of your clients.

Instructors:

Fiona Douglas-Hamilton
President, NW EcoBuilding Guild & Founder of Social, Environmental & Economic Consulting (SEEC LLC), an education firm specializing in the inter-relationship of valuation and sustainability.
Robbie Currey
Certified Real Estate Appraiser, McCabe Appraisal. Robbi co-wrote the curriculum, was hired by the Green Building Value Initiative and incorporates appraising green homes as one of her ‘Competencies’.

Date & Time: Tuesday, January 10th, 2012, 8:30-4:30pm, zHome site tour 4:30-5:30pm

Course Cost: Pre-registration $50 ($95 at the door). Includes handbook and site tour.
To register go to: http://seecsolutions.com/classes/registration-2/.

Course Info: Green & ENERGY STAR Home Appraising: How Agents Affect the Process, C7185, 7 WA State CE Clocks Hours

Directions:Take Exit 18 on I-90, head N on Highlands DR, turn right on High St & look for the homes with the solar panels! Parking available on adjacent side streets.

The Infiniti RED team will be attending, and we look forward to seeing you there!

zHome, which was just completed in September, is a 10-unit townhome development located in Issaquah, WA, which represents a radical acceleration of ultra-sustainable housing. This is one of the 1st multi-family projects in the country to combine targeted net zero energy use with geothermal heating, grid-tied solar electricity, a 70% reduction in water use, rainwater catchment and recycling for flushing toilets and clothes washing, low impact development practices and a number of other green building practices. Learn more at zHome.org.

zHome’s public educational tours, which ran through the end of October, brought 7000+ people through the site to learn about these sustainable technologies. Now we want to provide a similar experience geared towards real estate agents, whose knowledge of ever-evolving green building practices is a key component in advancing the green home market.

The tour and Q&A session, will be lead by zHome Project Manager Nick Nied, whose passion for this project has him actively involved in education as well. As professionals working with builders, buyers and sellers, this opportunity to learn more about zHome’s sustainable features, practices and certifications, as well as green homes in general, will be invaluable to you. Keep yourself at the forefront of this industry!

If you are a LEED AP or LEED Green Associate this presentation can qualify for CE credits needed for maintaining your credentials (see LEED CE Activities).

Thursday, Nov 10th, 12-2pm – light lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to info@infinitiRED.com. Take Exit 18 on I-90, head N on Highlands DR, turn right on High St & look for the homes with the solar panels! Parking available on adjacent side streets.

Cascade Built has been constructing new LEED, Built Green and Energy Star certified townhomes and custom homes for a number of years now, with a particular knack for maximizing the potential of postage stamp-size infill lots, which is why their latest project should be no surprise. This time around though Cascade Built founder Sloan Ritchie has taken it another giant step further. He’s gone prefab!

Alley House 2 by Cascade Built

Dubbed the Alley House 2 because of its location next door to the Cascade Built’s acclaimed “Alley House” built in 2008, this new single-family home will be prefabricated in modular components by Seattle-based, green prefab specialists Method Homes in their local production facility. Cascade Built chose a modular prefab build for its shorter building timeframe (approximately 2 months) and reduction in material waste (minimized to less than 5%). The prefab build also means the house will be constructed in a closed environment where exposure to elements such as rain, do not exist.

Designed by award-winning architect David Foster and targeting LEED for Homes Platinum certification (the highest certification possible), the Alley House 2 will have 1,697sf of living space, including 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms, as well as the potential to convert the lower level (including fully conditioned 1-car garage) into an Accessory Dwelling Unit. The home’s modern aesthetic and open floor plan, drawing ample natural light, blends luxury with conscious living.

Pre-selling the Alley House 2 will allow Cascade Built to work closely with the new homeowner to customize the finishes that most impact their daily life. Among the choices to be made are whether or not to install a solar hot water and/or pv (photovoltaic) system, and a green (living) roof, all of which the home has been designed for, and would work to offset the home’s energy consumption.

The Alley House 2 is located in the heart of Madison Valley, just ten blocks from Seattle’s newly revived Pike/Pine corridor and new Light Rail station, and just one mile from downtown Seattle. The dates for craning-in of the prefab modules will be publicly announced in October 2011, with completion and scheduled open houses soon after. Stay tuned for updates – here and on our Facebook page!

Visit this featured listing on our website for all the presale details!

Join our OPEN HOUSE MAY 22 from 2-4PM! Lovely 1 Bedroom For Sale!

Taken from the Capitol Hill Blog 5/6/11