As a Realtor, it is easy to become frustrated with the lack of creativity or vision among builders. The rows and rows of similar looking, poorly made townhomes, particularly in the Greenwood area of Seattle come to mind.
In a culturally savvy area of the world such as Seattle, it is hard to believe that we have put up with so much monotony and blandness in our quest for urban renewal.
To be fair, it is not all the builders' fault. The combination of high land prices and lack of oversight by city planners contribute to the problem. Builders are trying to make a buck as well as provide housing, and no one can blame them for that.
That is why it was such a treat to preview a property yesterday that combines vision and creativity not only in design, but in the form of truly sustainable materials.
8513 Wallingford Ave N, affecionately known as "The Orchard" is a unique property both in design and construction.
The Orchard
The builders, Five Dot Design Build, have constructed this spectacular home with such earth friendly features such as Rainscreen Cedar Siding, an infiltration raingarden that handles all stormwater onsite (very handy here in rain city), and in floor radiant heat.
Comic Book Guy
Not to mention one of the coolest, kick-butt bathrooms I have ever seen. Maybe the best bathroom......ever
Best Bathroom....ever
There are some truly inspired touches, such as the reclaimed doors from a Seattle School in the main room, and the "de-clawed"clawfoot tub that sits on repurposed wood to prevent water heat loss.
Front Room
While most homebuyers are unfortunately not in the price range of this particular home, it is an excellent showcase of what will be more available and more affordable to the average consumer in the near future.
And that is the good news amid all of the negative world news that we have been inundated with as of late.
Rising energy prices coupled with rising public awareness and demand, will only bring prices down for alternative energy sources and sustainable materials, thus making them more viable and available.
For now, it is up to the folks who are thinking ahead and have a true vision to bring projects such as The Orchard to the marketplace, when they could have gone the path of least resistance and built the same tired structures that we have unfortunately been inured to.
The buyer of this home will be rewarded not only with a fantastic, earth friendly home, but with the knowledge that they did their part to set the wheels in motion to make these features pervasive in our everyday lives.
My best,
LFM
