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Sustainable and Healthy Homes

Passive House, net zero, ventilation, daylighting and the building science that matters in the Pacific Northwest.

Guides

Flagstone entry courtyard with pruned pines leading to wood French doors and glass entry hall
Permits, Zoning and Code

What the Washington energy code asks of a remodel or an addition

How the 2021 Washington State Energy Code treats a remodel or addition: windows, insulation, ducts, energy credits, blower door tests, conversions, Seattle.

David Meade · October 7, 2026
David Meade, AIA NCARB, Principal Architect at Piper Cole Architects in Kirkland, WA
Custom Homes and New Builds

What the 2021 Washington State Energy Code means for your new home

The 2021 Washington State Energy Code for a new Seattle or Eastside home: credits by size, heat pump vs gas, walls, windows, air testing and the EV circuit.

David Meade · September 26, 2026
Passive House Architect in Seattle, WA
Sustainable and Healthy Homes

Passive House Architect in Seattle, WA

Piper Cole Architects designs high-performance Passive House homes in Seattle and the Eastside, using airtight, efficient and climate-responsive design.

David Meade · July 2, 2026
Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors flooding a Seattle-area home with daylight and framing a lake view, a biophilic design by Piper Cole Architects.
Sustainable and Healthy Homes

Biophilic Design & Daylighting for Seattle Homes

Biophilic design and daylighting for Seattle homes: how to bring in light and nature in a cloudy climate. Architect insight from Piper Cole, Kirkland WA.

David Meade · June 22, 2026
Residential architecture project by Piper Cole Architects, Seattle Eastside WA
Sustainable and Healthy Homes

HRV vs ERV: Which Ventilation Is Right for PNW Homes?

HRV vs ERV ventilation for Pacific Northwest homes: which system fits our damp climate, and why it matters. Architect guidance from Piper Cole.

David Meade · June 22, 2026
Residential architecture project by Piper Cole Architects, Seattle Eastside WA
Sustainable and Healthy Homes

Passive House vs. Net Zero: Which Is Right for Your Seattle Home?

Passive House vs. net zero energy for Seattle homes: performance, cost, certification, and which approach makes most sense in the Pacific Northwest.

David Meade · May 30, 2026
Residential architecture project by Piper Cole Architects, Seattle Eastside WA
Sustainable and Healthy Homes

Seattle Green Building Programs for Homeowners 2026: Incentives, Rebates, and Requirements

Seattle green building incentives for homeowners in 2026. PSE rebates, Seattle City Light programs, energy code requirements, and ADU energy compliance.

David Meade · May 30, 2026
Low-slung modern net-zero-style home with deep eaves and a reflecting pool at dusk in the Pacific Northwest, designed by Piper Cole Architects.
Sustainable and Healthy Homes

Net Zero Homes in Seattle: What They Are, What They Cost, and How to Build One

Building or renovating a net zero home in Seattle? Energy targets, insulation, mechanical systems, and solar in the Pacific Northwest climate.

David Meade · May 26, 2026
Eco-friendly modern home with natural wood and stone cladding and native landscaping in the Seattle area, designed by Piper Cole Architects.
Sustainable and Healthy Homes

Eco-Friendly Home Design in Seattle: Passive House, Net Zero, and Green Building

Eco-friendly home design in Seattle: Passive House, net zero energy, heat pumps, and green building options from code-minimum to Living Building standard.

David Meade · May 25, 2026
Sustainable timber-and-stone home with wide glazing and low-slope roofs set among evergreens and lawn near Seattle, designed by Piper Cole Architects.
Sustainable and Healthy Homes

Sustainable Architecture in Seattle: Green Building for Homes and Businesses

Sustainable architecture in Seattle: passive solar, Passive House, net zero energy, LEED, and green building strategies for homes and businesses.

David Meade · May 25, 2026
Cedar and glass house at dusk, designed by Piper Cole Architects

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