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Collection by Anne Reagan

Energy-Efficient Prefab Responds to Seattle Climate

In Seattle, the Aurora Greenfab 2100 Series by Hybrid Architects achieves energy efficiency in a modular, compact frame. With an open floor plan, automatic sliding doors, and a rooftop deck, the home makes for a comfortable family home that leaves a light footprint. Read more about the project on Porch.com.

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The couple desired a new home that would suit their eco-conscious lifestyle. On their must-have list was a location close to Seattle’s recreational-friendly Greenlake, a large roof deck, eco-friendly materials that reduced their carbon footprint, and surprisingly, no garage. “It is a modular home, so basically you're saving a lot of money on the [construction] time," says the team behind Greenfab, which served as general contractor for the project. "Your construction costs are also way lower.”
The couple desired a new home that would suit their eco-conscious lifestyle. On their must-have list was a location close to Seattle’s recreational-friendly Greenlake, a large roof deck, eco-friendly materials that reduced their carbon footprint, and surprisingly, no garage. “It is a modular home, so basically you're saving a lot of money on the [construction] time," says the team behind Greenfab, which served as general contractor for the project. "Your construction costs are also way lower.”
The large roof deck is perfect for taking in the Seattle skyline. The city averages less than 60 days of sun per year, so the homeowners wanted a home that allowed available natural light to filter inside. A wide bank of automatic sliding doors allows for easy indoor-outdoor transition. The builders incorporated triple-paned, insulated glass windows to maximize comfort year round and reduce exposed to UV rays.
The large roof deck is perfect for taking in the Seattle skyline. The city averages less than 60 days of sun per year, so the homeowners wanted a home that allowed available natural light to filter inside. A wide bank of automatic sliding doors allows for easy indoor-outdoor transition. The builders incorporated triple-paned, insulated glass windows to maximize comfort year round and reduce exposed to UV rays.
Natural bamboo flooring was used throughout the home, as well as dimmable LED lighting. The house incorporates a hybrid heat pump water heater, which draws in ambient heat from the surrounding air, moves it across condenser coils, then transfers it into the tank to heat the water. This device creates the same amount of hot water as a traditional electric water heater, but reduces water-heating expenses up to 62%.
Natural bamboo flooring was used throughout the home, as well as dimmable LED lighting. The house incorporates a hybrid heat pump water heater, which draws in ambient heat from the surrounding air, moves it across condenser coils, then transfers it into the tank to heat the water. This device creates the same amount of hot water as a traditional electric water heater, but reduces water-heating expenses up to 62%.
An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is used to transfer heat and moisture in the home in order to increase heating and cooling efficiency. It also provides fresh air from outside by filtering out dust and indoor air pollutants. Zero-VOC paint was used throughout the home.
An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is used to transfer heat and moisture in the home in order to increase heating and cooling efficiency. It also provides fresh air from outside by filtering out dust and indoor air pollutants. Zero-VOC paint was used throughout the home.