Inspire is the first multi-family dwelling in Seattle adhering to the Living Building Pilot Program, Petal Certification for reduced energy and water usage. A code modification was required to permit more efficient HRV usage with lower-than-required ventilation rates. Inspire was granted a FAR (floor area ratio) bonus as incentive for program compliance.
Because of a super-insulated, high performance “Passive House” design, a central heating system was not required to meet heat load requirements. The building official allowed a smaller-than-standard heading system, a Navien combi-heater: a high efficiency, tankless, natural gas powered water heater that delivers heated hydronic fluid to a fluid-to-air heat exchanger installed in ductwork for the home’s ventilation system. Energy efficiency, building science and technology make a house that is extremely airtight and insulated.