Client: Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington
Location: Everett, Washington
Completion: 2019
Project Size: 65 Units + Common areas + Offices 41,447 SF
Clare’s Place
NET-ZERO Supportive Housing for people exiting homelessness
The City of Everett’s Safe Streets Plan arose from a regional opioid epidemic, and growing recognition among Everett’s city government and service providers that people experiencing homelessness were cycling repeatedly through jail and hospitals. Everett’s Safe Streets Plan implements the “Housing First” model: low-barrier housing to get individuals experiencing chronic homelessness off the street. Clare’s Place provides permanent supportive housing for 65 chronically homeless adults, and incorporates on-site case management and services for residents suffering from mental illness and substance abuse.
The project was one of three in the state awarded funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce Housing Trust Fund to create net-zero affordable housing: its energy efficiency and on-site clean energy generation is projected to produce as much renewable energy as it consumes. A rooftop 236 KW solar PV system provides 100% of the facility’s energy needs. An ultra-high efficiency air-source heat pump domestic water heater system includes drainwater heat recovery at shower drains. Other features that promote exceptional energy efficiency include a heat recovery ventilation system, a high-efficiency gearless traction elevator, high performance triple glazed windows with max. U-value 0.15, high performance fiberglass storefront system with max U-value 0.19, and increased envelope insulation (R-60 at roof, R-20 underslab, and R-48 at walls). Building air leakage is designed to 0.12 cfm/W2, a 70% reduction from the Washington State Energy Code requirement.
Controls further promote energy efficiency. Dashboard screens at the building entry and multi-purpose room provide instantaneous feedback on building energy performance. A master switch at each unit entrance turns off all hard-wired lights and select receptacles, efficient digital controls for heating system allows night-time setbacks, and window interlocks in apartments turn off heating when windows are open.
