Salish Way - High Performance Affordable Housing: Premier Building Systems LLC

Manufacturer: Premier Building Systems LLC

Builder: Lopez Community Land Trust

Location: Lopez Island, Wash.

Lopez Community Land Trust (LCLT) builds affordable housing for working islanders. The homes are constructed as net-zero energy to reduce overall operating costs, and incorporate high-quality materials that are long lasting and sustainable, and low-maintenance features. This was the first time structural insulated panel (SIP) construction was used in the 32-year history of LCLT

Homeowners help build the homes alongside skilled carpenters. SIP construction was chosen because the pandemic was raging, and a shorted time on-site and proximity to workers on the site was necessary. Solar panels will be part of a community solar system through local energy supplier OPALCO.

The home employs sustainable materials and design features such as:

• Low-VOC paints and finishes,
• Sustainable cabinets,
• Locally milled fir siding,
• Rainwater catchment for all irrigation,
• Passive solar design,
• Low-e/high-SHGC windows,
• Induction cooking appliances,
• Energy-efficient lighting fixtures,
• A Mitsubishi ductless heat pump and
• Under slab continuous insulation R-10 to help keep the interior temperature levels consistent without continuous energy consumption.