Award Winning Passive House on San Juan Islands

We are proud to report that we now have an award winning Passive House on San Juan Islands. The Passive House Institute of the United States (PHIUS) granted us Best Overall Project 2015 designed by a professional under 35 in the United States and 2nd Place Best Overall Project 2015 in the United States.

Passive House on San Juan Islands

Featured in DWELL magazine, this prefabricated 1,800 square foot certified Passive House is located in the rugged central highlands in the San Juan Islands. It is the first certified Passive House in the San Juans, and the fourth in Washington State. The home was built for $330 per square foot, while construction costs for residential projects in the San Juan market often exceed $600 per square foot. The home was largely prefabricated in a Washington facility that was originally intended to be a nuclear power plant. The exterior walls were installed as completed panels. The kitchen, two bathrooms, and most of the mechanicals of the home were pre-constructed as a central “pod” and craned into place on site. The home was “weathered-in” 17 days after the start of construction. The clients are retired teachers, and desired a low-maintenance, cost-effective, energy-efficient house in which they could age in place; a restful shelter from clutter, stress and over stimulation. The circular floor plan centers on the prefabricated pod. Radiating from the pod, cabinetry and a minimum of walls defines function, with a series of sliding and concealable doors providing flexible privacy to the peripheral spaces. The interior palette consists of wind fallen light maple floors, locally made custom FSC certified cabinets, low flow water fixtures, stainless steel hardware and all LED lighting. The exterior materials are painted concrete fiberboard lap siding, Ipe wood slats and galvanized metal.  The freestanding covered entry sculpture provides a unique focal point for the building without compromising the building envelope.

About Artisans Group

The Artisans Group specializes in building and remodeling some of the finest eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes in the Seattle & Olympia area. We are an eclectic band of uniquely talented Pacific Northwest architects, designers, craftsman, and managers with a shared passion for home design. Passive Houses are our niche, and we provide the simplest solutions to guarantee comfort and durability in home design while providing soulful beauty. Our mantra, 'Advanced Homes Made Elegant', succinctly captures the art and passion of our design and build team, as well as all remodel projects. This design philosophy is a dedication you can feel and a finesse in architecture that always proves stunning. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest