Energy costs are estimated at $67 per year for this award-winning Seattle custom home

The U.S. Department of Energy named a custom Seattle home among the winners of its annual Housing Innovation Awards.

The Genesee Park Net Zero home at 3909 43rd Ave. S was constructed by Dwell Development.

It was one of 27 homes nationwide recognized for innovation in energy savings and sustainability, winning an award in the custom speculation category. The home was built on spec, which means it didn’t have a buyer lined up.

The three-story, 3,700-square-foot home near Lake Washington was built from reclaimed, local and recycled materials. It has five bedrooms, four bathrooms and two decks totaling 677 square feet. The third floor has a party area with a bedroom and bathroom beside a flexible bonus room leading out onto a deck.

Its energy-efficient features include 9.0 kW rooftop solar panels, an airtight separator to maintain indoor conditions, high-performance windows, 12-inch-thick insulated walls, high-efficiency heating and solar thermal technology to heat water.

The home has received certifications for energy efficiency from Energy Star, for indoor air quality from Indoor airPLUS and for its environmentally friendly approach from BuiltGreen.

The Department of Energy estimated the home will only have $67 in energy costs annually, with energy savings totaling 25,582 kWh each year. The agency estimated the home’s design will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3.7 tons per year.

Homes by Leading Force in Yakima and TC Legend Homes in Bellingham were also awarded. Grand winners for the Department of Energy’s five Housing Innovation Awards categories will be announced at an Oct. 16th ceremony.

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