Save the date – May 24th – for our most innovative housing event this summer. The Backyard Cottage Design Challenge Showcase! This backyard cottage showcase will include the work of over 35 local architects and designers who are combining good design with livability and sustainability. You will have the opportunity to view all design challenge
Sustainable Backyard Cottages Design Challenge: Help us create the next generation of affordable, green housing! Method Homes and Infiniti RED are joining forces to promote public awareness of Backyard Cottages in Seattle with the Design Challenge for Sustainable Back Yard Cottages. Call for Submissions! Architects and designers! Method Homes, a Seattle-based custom prefab manufacturer, is
In a previous post, we gave you the low down on Seattle’s new ordinances regarding Backyard Cottages, now we want to explore whose building them and how the process works. Now that backyard cottages are zoned citywide, they’re beginning to pop up all over the place, and in a plethora of delightful flavors. While they
This past week one quarter of the planet closed their offices and returned home to celebrate the Chinese New Year on Feb 14 – the Year of the Golden Tiger. In Chinese astrology the tiger is considered to have courage, passion, fearlessness and power. On the other hand this year is considered an unlucky year
Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978. For those renting, buying or renovating a pre-1978 home, receiving a copy of the EPA’s lead pamphlet is federal law, and duly warns against things like letting your children chew on the windowsills. Lead has been
As the mortgage and credit crisis continues, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is becoming a lifeline for homebuyers seeking affordable mortgages. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development the number of FHA-backed home loans rose from 3.7% in 2006 to 21.1% in 2009. Why are FHA loans so attractive? Because
One critical piece of legislation for the building industry up for vote this week is HB 2853 + SB 6656, “The Energy-Efficiency Financing Act.”This bill creates a mechanism for municipalities to finance and issue bonds that would set up loans to provide affordable up-front financing for energy efficiency projects/upgrades for residential and commercial properties. Loans
Save the Planet AND increase Quality of Life (Ecovillages and Sustainable Communities: Models for 21st Century Living) By John L Talbott, PE (Findhorn Foundation) Tuesday, January 26th, 7-8pm, Capitol Hill Space is limited! Please RSVP info@infinitiRED.com How can humanity create truly sustainable settlements for the 21st century and beyond which preserve, maintain and enhance the
Keeping an eye on upcoming green building trends is an important part of our work, and each new year brings a plethora of new predictions. Will the green building industry boom this year? How far will the envelope be pushed? What will homeowners and buyers be paying attention to. All good questions, and there are
We are very excited about the fact that the Seattle City Council voted this month to carry over the development standards of Backyard Cottages from Southeast Seattle to the rest of the city! Backyard Cottages, also referred to as “detached accessory dwelling units” or “DADUs”, have been allowed in Southeast Seattle since 2006, with approximately