sunset electric
SUNSET ELECTRIC LOT SIZE BUILDING SIZE LOCATION PROJECT TYPE
14,407 SF 99,706 SF SEATTLE, WA RESIDENTIAL:MULTIFAMILY
SUNSET ELECTRIC SEATTLE, WA 99,706 SF In Seattle, mid-rise market-rate apartment buildings have a number of given assumptions: exterior materials are a standard kit of parts, sustainability goals are the bare minimum, parking meets a market-determined ratio, residential units are double-loaded along conditioned corridors maximizing floor plate efficiency, and amenities are provided to draw new tenants. Existing buildings – if not landmark protected – are torn down while large parcels are assembled to maximize new development.
residents. The courtyard plan offers most units windows at both ends to provide excellent cross-ventilation – a key feature to eliminate mechanical cooling in our mild Northwest climate.
Sunset Electric breaks all these rules.
One first glimpses the courtyard from the open-air lobby – a unique feature that hearkens back to older domestic and European buildings. Tenants are not indoors until they reach the front door of their unit. In fact, very little enclosed common space is provided in the building. Instead, the neighborhood serves as the tenant amenity (along with a roof deck with incredible views).
The project retains an historic 1926 facade, adding five levels of apartments above. The new portion utilizes highquality metal cladding to complement the historic brick and terracotta. The design team took inspiration from turn-of-the century cast iron buildings, allowing upper levels to recede into the background, and letting the historic facade take center stage.
A 2009 study by the mechanical engineer established a local energy baseline of 39 kBtu/sf/yr for this project typology. Sunset Electric has performed much better than this baseline, with a three-pronged approach: 1. Move common area spaces (including corridors, lobby, and amenity space) outside, eliminating much of the corridor heating and lighting
The design is a square doughnut with an interior courtyard connecting to an open-air lobby, central stair and crisscrossing catwalks. Up top, a green roof helps reduce ‘heatisland’ effect, and a roof deck is the primary amenity.
2. Reduce domestic hot water energy use with low-flow fixtures and a reverse-cycle chiller
The occupied building achieves a 60% reduction in energy use over a national baseline building, meeting the 2030 Challenge goal in 2010. This began with passive design strategies driven by the massing. The courtyard’s materials reflect light; it’s an open-air, semi-private sanctuary for
3. Use efficient lighting and appliances to reduce unit electrical loads Progressive energy goals led to LEED-Homes Platinum Certification, a case study by Seattle’s 2030 District and recognition by the Quality Growth Alliance.
Group Health
Link Light Rail Station
1/4 Mile Radius
Seattle Central College
Cal Anderson Park
Metro Bus Lines SITE
Pike/Pine Conservation District
First Hill Streetcar
NEIGHBORHOOD AS AMENITY The project leverages its location in program and performance. The site is bike/pedestrianfriendly, well served by buses, streetcars and lightrail, and has a walkscore of 100. The project is located within the Pike/Pine Conservation District and within the Seattle 2030 District.
Seattle University
2030 District Boundary
THE AUTO ERA In 1926, the Sunset Electric Company moved into a new automobile equipment and radio showroom/service center in Capitol Hill. The building exemplified the architecture of the region and era, and survives as an example of straightforward commercial architecture with subtle decoration.
PRESERVING THE PAST Thanks to preservation incentives, the Sunset Electric Company’s legacy and home lives on. Red brick terracotta emblems with the Sunset Electric Company logo have been restored to their original glory, and continue to decorate the building’s facades nearly a century later.
FAÇADE Major vertical elements and spandrels follow the rhythm and spacing of the lower facade to realize the texture, detail and depth of the original building’s historical period. Unit ventilation is pushed to the exterior where a band of louvers is zipped into the floor depth for a seamless design.
Seattle Mid-Rise Baseline EUI ~ 39kBtu/SF/yr 4.9 10.5 4.1
7.5
12
Sunset Electric Actual
EUI ~ 22.7kBtu/SF/yr 1
3.9
8 4.1 0.9 2.5
2.3
1.2
5.2 10.8
Domestic Hot Water Apartment Electric
COURTYARD The courtyard is a key component of the building’s dramatic energy savings because it eliminates common area energy use. The secondary benefit is that interior circulation is pleasantly daylit and provides natural daylighting and ventilation to residential units. See chart at right for other major reductions.
Common Electric Apartment Space Heat Common Space Heat Added Apartment Heat Energy Removed
70.00
Common Electric EUI ~ 63k Btu/SF/yr
60.00
Common Space Heat Apartment Space Heat
50.00
Apartment Electric
40.00
EUI ~ 39k Btu/SF/yr
Domestic Hot Water
30.00 EUI ~ 22.7k Btu/SF/yr
20.00 10.00 00.00 EUI
2030 Challenge Baseline
Seattle Mid-rise Baseline
Sunset Electric Actual
60% ENERGY REDUCTION The 2030 Challenge baseline for this project typology is 63k Btu/sf/yr. The Seattle mid-rise baseline is 39k Btu/sf/yr. When built and occupied, Sunset Electric achieved a 60% reduction in energy use over national baselines, and met the 2030 Challenge goal for 2010.
2030 Challenge Goal for 2010 EUI ~ 25.2k Btu/SF/yr
Electricity Usage
kWh (thousand Watt-hours) 70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
JUNE 2015
JULY 2015
AUGUST 2015
SEPT. 2015
OCT. 2015
ACTUAL ELECTRIC USAGE It’s rare for projected energy data to match actual postoccupancy data, but incredibly, that’s been the case for Sunset Electric. The building was using 524,310 kWh annually as of May 2016 and the actual EUI was 22.7k Btu/sf/yr.
NOV. 2015
DEC. 2015
JAN. 2016
FEB. 2016
MARCH 2016
APRIL 2016
MAY 2016
CROSS-VENTILATION IN RESIDENTIAL UNITS GARAGE EXHAUST
REVERSE CYCLE CHILLER SYSTEM DOMESTIC HOT WATER SYSTEM
ACTIVE & PASSIVE SYSTEMS The domestic hot water loop is tied to a reverse-cycle chiller, drawing latent heat from below-grade parking. Water performance is improved through efficient, low-flow fixtures and appliances. Common space EUI was reduced by 80% through heat pumps and 75% of parking fixtures are on occupancy sensors.
REVERSE CYCLE CHILLER An innovative Reverse Cycle Chiller (RCC) heat pump provides domestic hot water to the building, harvesting heat from lights, cars, and garage exhaust. In combination with low flow fixtures, this reduces water heating EUI by 75% over a typical modern apartment building.
open lobby
//////////////////////////////////////////////// cal anderson park
/////////////////
green wall
green screen
line of sight
line of sight
green roof
/////////////////////////
//////////////////////////
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
occupied roof deck w/green roof
open courtyard
///////////////////////////////////////////////// / / / / / / / / / ///// /// //////
CONNECTION TO OUTDOORS The square footprint is quite simple in section, with an interior courtyard and open-air lobby. This elegant design is the basis for the majority of passive energy reduction strategies, including cross-ventilation, outdoor circulation, a naturally daylit courtyard, open-air lobby and exterior amenities.
LOBBY The lobby is a lower extension of the courtyard. Residents enter the open-air lobby through a custom steel gate, pass a custom mural by a local graffiti artist, then proceed directly to the elevators or walk up a feature stair to the central landscaped courtyard.
ROOFTOP AMENITY The building’s primary amenity is a roof deck with spectacular views. Luscious plants delineate the deck while inaccessible areas are covered with drought-tolerant succulents. Other areas are clad in reflective roofing to reduce heat-island effect. The unconditioned roof deck has huge appeal with very little energy consumption.
A GEM IN THE HEART OF CAPITOL HILL Located in the heart of the Pike/Pine district of Capitol Hill, Sunset Electric is surrounded by dense variety and vitality, It stands as a contemporary blend of turn of the century design and sustainable modern technology.
14,407 SF 99,706 SF SEATTLE, WA RESIDENTIAL:MULTIFAMILY
SUNSET ELECTRIC SEATTLE, WA 99,706 SF In Seattle, mid-rise market-rate apartment buildings have a number of given assumptions: exterior materials are a standard kit of parts, sustainability goals are the bare minimum, parking meets a market-determined ratio, residential units are double-loaded along conditioned corridors maximizing floor plate efficiency, and amenities are provided to draw new tenants. Existing buildings – if not landmark protected – are torn down while large parcels are assembled to maximize new development.
residents. The courtyard plan offers most units windows at both ends to provide excellent cross-ventilation – a key feature to eliminate mechanical cooling in our mild Northwest climate.
Sunset Electric breaks all these rules.
One first glimpses the courtyard from the open-air lobby – a unique feature that hearkens back to older domestic and European buildings. Tenants are not indoors until they reach the front door of their unit. In fact, very little enclosed common space is provided in the building. Instead, the neighborhood serves as the tenant amenity (along with a roof deck with incredible views).
The project retains an historic 1926 facade, adding five levels of apartments above. The new portion utilizes highquality metal cladding to complement the historic brick and terracotta. The design team took inspiration from turn-of-the century cast iron buildings, allowing upper levels to recede into the background, and letting the historic facade take center stage.
A 2009 study by the mechanical engineer established a local energy baseline of 39 kBtu/sf/yr for this project typology. Sunset Electric has performed much better than this baseline, with a three-pronged approach: 1. Move common area spaces (including corridors, lobby, and amenity space) outside, eliminating much of the corridor heating and lighting
The design is a square doughnut with an interior courtyard connecting to an open-air lobby, central stair and crisscrossing catwalks. Up top, a green roof helps reduce ‘heatisland’ effect, and a roof deck is the primary amenity.
2. Reduce domestic hot water energy use with low-flow fixtures and a reverse-cycle chiller
The occupied building achieves a 60% reduction in energy use over a national baseline building, meeting the 2030 Challenge goal in 2010. This began with passive design strategies driven by the massing. The courtyard’s materials reflect light; it’s an open-air, semi-private sanctuary for
3. Use efficient lighting and appliances to reduce unit electrical loads Progressive energy goals led to LEED-Homes Platinum Certification, a case study by Seattle’s 2030 District and recognition by the Quality Growth Alliance.
Group Health
Link Light Rail Station
1/4 Mile Radius
Seattle Central College
Cal Anderson Park
Metro Bus Lines SITE
Pike/Pine Conservation District
First Hill Streetcar
NEIGHBORHOOD AS AMENITY The project leverages its location in program and performance. The site is bike/pedestrianfriendly, well served by buses, streetcars and lightrail, and has a walkscore of 100. The project is located within the Pike/Pine Conservation District and within the Seattle 2030 District.
Seattle University
2030 District Boundary
THE AUTO ERA In 1926, the Sunset Electric Company moved into a new automobile equipment and radio showroom/service center in Capitol Hill. The building exemplified the architecture of the region and era, and survives as an example of straightforward commercial architecture with subtle decoration.
PRESERVING THE PAST Thanks to preservation incentives, the Sunset Electric Company’s legacy and home lives on. Red brick terracotta emblems with the Sunset Electric Company logo have been restored to their original glory, and continue to decorate the building’s facades nearly a century later.
FAÇADE Major vertical elements and spandrels follow the rhythm and spacing of the lower facade to realize the texture, detail and depth of the original building’s historical period. Unit ventilation is pushed to the exterior where a band of louvers is zipped into the floor depth for a seamless design.
Seattle Mid-Rise Baseline EUI ~ 39kBtu/SF/yr 4.9 10.5 4.1
7.5
12
Sunset Electric Actual
EUI ~ 22.7kBtu/SF/yr 1
3.9
8 4.1 0.9 2.5
2.3
1.2
5.2 10.8
Domestic Hot Water Apartment Electric
COURTYARD The courtyard is a key component of the building’s dramatic energy savings because it eliminates common area energy use. The secondary benefit is that interior circulation is pleasantly daylit and provides natural daylighting and ventilation to residential units. See chart at right for other major reductions.
Common Electric Apartment Space Heat Common Space Heat Added Apartment Heat Energy Removed
70.00
Common Electric EUI ~ 63k Btu/SF/yr
60.00
Common Space Heat Apartment Space Heat
50.00
Apartment Electric
40.00
EUI ~ 39k Btu/SF/yr
Domestic Hot Water
30.00 EUI ~ 22.7k Btu/SF/yr
20.00 10.00 00.00 EUI
2030 Challenge Baseline
Seattle Mid-rise Baseline
Sunset Electric Actual
60% ENERGY REDUCTION The 2030 Challenge baseline for this project typology is 63k Btu/sf/yr. The Seattle mid-rise baseline is 39k Btu/sf/yr. When built and occupied, Sunset Electric achieved a 60% reduction in energy use over national baselines, and met the 2030 Challenge goal for 2010.
2030 Challenge Goal for 2010 EUI ~ 25.2k Btu/SF/yr
Electricity Usage
kWh (thousand Watt-hours) 70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
JUNE 2015
JULY 2015
AUGUST 2015
SEPT. 2015
OCT. 2015
ACTUAL ELECTRIC USAGE It’s rare for projected energy data to match actual postoccupancy data, but incredibly, that’s been the case for Sunset Electric. The building was using 524,310 kWh annually as of May 2016 and the actual EUI was 22.7k Btu/sf/yr.
NOV. 2015
DEC. 2015
JAN. 2016
FEB. 2016
MARCH 2016
APRIL 2016
MAY 2016
CROSS-VENTILATION IN RESIDENTIAL UNITS GARAGE EXHAUST
REVERSE CYCLE CHILLER SYSTEM DOMESTIC HOT WATER SYSTEM
ACTIVE & PASSIVE SYSTEMS The domestic hot water loop is tied to a reverse-cycle chiller, drawing latent heat from below-grade parking. Water performance is improved through efficient, low-flow fixtures and appliances. Common space EUI was reduced by 80% through heat pumps and 75% of parking fixtures are on occupancy sensors.
REVERSE CYCLE CHILLER An innovative Reverse Cycle Chiller (RCC) heat pump provides domestic hot water to the building, harvesting heat from lights, cars, and garage exhaust. In combination with low flow fixtures, this reduces water heating EUI by 75% over a typical modern apartment building.
open lobby
//////////////////////////////////////////////// cal anderson park
/////////////////
green wall
green screen
line of sight
line of sight
green roof
/////////////////////////
//////////////////////////
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
occupied roof deck w/green roof
open courtyard
///////////////////////////////////////////////// / / / / / / / / / ///// /// //////
CONNECTION TO OUTDOORS The square footprint is quite simple in section, with an interior courtyard and open-air lobby. This elegant design is the basis for the majority of passive energy reduction strategies, including cross-ventilation, outdoor circulation, a naturally daylit courtyard, open-air lobby and exterior amenities.
LOBBY The lobby is a lower extension of the courtyard. Residents enter the open-air lobby through a custom steel gate, pass a custom mural by a local graffiti artist, then proceed directly to the elevators or walk up a feature stair to the central landscaped courtyard.
ROOFTOP AMENITY The building’s primary amenity is a roof deck with spectacular views. Luscious plants delineate the deck while inaccessible areas are covered with drought-tolerant succulents. Other areas are clad in reflective roofing to reduce heat-island effect. The unconditioned roof deck has huge appeal with very little energy consumption.
A GEM IN THE HEART OF CAPITOL HILL Located in the heart of the Pike/Pine district of Capitol Hill, Sunset Electric is surrounded by dense variety and vitality, It stands as a contemporary blend of turn of the century design and sustainable modern technology.
