Thomas Jacobson Construction (TJC), are high end custom home builders that specialize in new home construction and remodeling throughout the Seattle and Bellevue, Washington area. We are committed to sustainable building and quality construction and have actively employed green building practices throughout our business since inception. We are proud to have recently completed one of the first LEED platinum and net zero energy and net zero water homes in the Northwest. Thomas Jacobson Construction can also assist you by applying our same high standards for craftsmanship to your light commercial and tenant improvement (TI) projects.

Thomas Jacobson Construction is dedicated to building inspiring homes that promote living well on a healthy planet. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2618 Eastlake Ave. E.
Seattle, WA 98102
p: 206.720.1800
f: 206.720.1801
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Announcing The Northwest Net Zero House

Find out more about the Northwest NetZero homeFind out more about the Northwest NetZero homeFind out more about the Northwest NetZero home

One of the first in U.S.

The northwest Net Zero house is a custom, single family home in the Bellevue area of Washington. The term “Net Zero” means that it is a house whose systems are expected to generate as much energy and water as the family consumes on an annual basis. For its many “green” or sustainable features, it will achieve a platinum certification from the United States Green Building Council’s LEED® for Homes program.

Find out more about the Northwest NetZero homeThe house was built for an active family. At just over 3300 SF, it is considered a moderately sized new home for its location. Its residents will experience the same functionality and comfort of residents living in any new high-end home. Through the development of a purposeful design, large and unused living spaces that require a lot of energy to heat are eliminated. The remaining spaces serve all of the needs of a modern family. No lifestyle compromises are made for living in a sustainably built and healthy home.

Along with the house’s on-site energy and water production and overall energy efficiency, it is also built to last through the use of many commercial grade products and methods not normally employed in a single family house. Building a home to last over a hundred years, as this one is intended to do, may be its greenest feature.

Construction methods and materials used were chosen to lessen the house’s impact on the earth. Nearly all construction waste was recycled. Sustainable materials such as lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, fly ash concrete mix, and advanced framing techniques reduce and conserve where conventional building practices do not. Where possible, locally sourced materials were specified.

Find out more about the Northwest NetZero home Non-toxic and/or low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, stains, caulks, and sealants that reduce environmental impact were applied. These products also work, in combination with a HEPA filtered ventilation system, to create clean interior air quality for the residents. Poor indoor air quality is a much greater concern than outdoor and can lead to asthma and other respiratory problems. By adequately supplying a house with fresh air, filtration, and circulation these common respiratory problems are greatly reduced, according to the American Lung Association.

Builder: Thomas Jacobson, Thomas Jacobson Construction Inc, LEED Accredited Professional for homes
Architect: VELOCIPEDE architects inc, LEED AP

What is LEED®?The leadership in energy and environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System TM developed and managed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. Initially this program was developed for commercial structures.

Find out more about the Northwest NetZero home What is the LEED® for Homes Program?What is the LEED® for Homes Program? Home building professionals and homeowners alike have been long awaiting the LEED for Homes Program. After piloting the program, it was formally launched in 2009 providing access to certification for building industry professionals. LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. LEED homes use less energy, water and natural resources; create less waste; and are healthier for the occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a LEED home can be comparable to that of owning a conventional home. For more information on LEED®: http://www.usgbc.org

 

What Makes this Project a LEED ® Platinum house?

Sustainable features:

  • Net Zero Energy: Onsite energy production via a 8.6 kilowatt photovoltaic power system is designed to provide 100% of annual electricity consumed by home. This grid-tied system allows the house to spin the utility company’s meter backwards during the Seattle area’s long days of sunshine in summer, and draw off of the grid during the winter when sunshine is limited. The credit built during the summer months will pay for the grid power in winter.
  • Net Zero H20: Rainwater catchment system captures water run-off from the metal roof and stores it in three underground tanks. Stored water is run through a filtration and UV sterilization system so it can be used as domestic potable water.  
  • Super-insulated and airtight construction through the use of timber frame and structural insulated panels (SIPs) reduces energy loss. Heat doesn’t get out, so less energy is required to maintain comfortable indoor temperature.
  • With the house’s systems relying solely on electricity, no natural gas is run to the house, eliminating on site fossil fuel burning.
  • The fireplace is actually a masonry heater, emitting more heat back into the house than is drawn up the chimney and lost when a fire is burning.
  • Dual-flush toilets and atomizing shower heads were used to conserve water.
  • On-demand recirculation pumps at plumbing fixtures.
  • 80% of lumber used in construction is certified as sustainably grown and harvested by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
  • All paints, stains, floor finishes, caulks, and sealants are low VOC. They add to a healthful indoor air quality for the residents by reducing harmful off-gasing.
  • Cool metal roofing re-emits heat from sun slowly, and along with foam insulation in the SIPs used for the roof, keeps unwanted solar heat out of the second story of the house in summer. This eliminates the need for a home cooling system and reduces the heat island effect.
  • No PVC products are used in the construction of the house.
  • Local materials were specified in order to reduce the embodied energy of the house; stone veneer is from a local quarry, all wood is from the Pacific Northwest, windows and doors are from a local manufacturer and made from local materials.
  • 90% of construction waste was recycled over the course of construction.
  • Only non-toxic cleaning products were used for construction cleaning.

Questions? Feel free to contact Northwest Net Zero builder Thomas Jacobson This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 206 720 1800.

 
[ Back ]