Exxel Pacific General Contractors
Seattle, WA

Joule Apartments is a 294 unit mixed use apartment building in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Built and Certified by Exxel Pacific General Contractors, the building achieved a 3-Star rating and features a vegetated roof, underground parking, a building envelope that is 10% more efficient than code, a better than 90% recycling rate for construction waste, and even a designated pet washing station in the parking garage. Centrally located in one of the most urban neighborhoods in Seattle, it is located within short walking distance of public transportation, super-markets, coffee shops, restaurants and countless other amenities, and offers its residents a fitness center and resident’s lounge. From the pet washing station to the fitness center to the Energy Star appliances, Joule offers unique green features along with the green building staples rarely found in an apartment building.

Site and Water Protection

    • Built on an infill site, the former lot of a QFC grocery store
    • Installed a green roof on 26% of the building roof
    • On the remaining roof a light colored or “high albedo” roofing material was installed
    • Provided structured parking for residents with dedicated parking spots for car-share vehicles, as well as bicycle parking
    • Provided a fitness center in the building to promote occupant health
    • Building includes common areas accessible to all occupants
    • Created a transit oriented development that is near multiple bus lines and future light rail
    • Designed as a mixed-use building including restaurant space
    • Central location within walking distance of countless amenities
    • No turf grass on the site
    • Landscaped with drought tolerant plants

 

Energy Efficiency

    • Envelope designed and built to use 10% more efficient than required by energy code
    • Installed insulated exterior sheathing and airtight drywall approach
    • Direct utility metering provided for each unit
    • Maximized daylighting in each of the units
    • 90% of the lighting in units and common areas are high efficiency CFL or LED bulbs
    • Use of Energy Star appliances including washing machines in each residence

 

Indoor Air Quality

    • Building is a designated non-smoking building
    • Designated pet washing station built into parking garage
    • Ventilated after each new wet finish application and ducts flushed prior to opening
    • Used building envelope consultant during design and conducted multiple inspections throughout build-ou
    • Built an enhanced drainage plane and air barrier between sheathing and siding
    • Installed operable windows in all units
    • Installed sealed combustion heating and hot water equipment
    • Built in a lockable storage closet outside of units for hazardous materials

 

Material Use

    • Achieved 90% construction waste recycling rate
    • Reduced materials for indoor walls through open floor plans in units
    • Used recycled content siding and did not use vinyl for siding or exterior trim
    • Installed finger-jointed wood framed windows
    • Metal roofing used for portions of the roof
  • Installed recycled content Yakima decking