Ellie Passivhaus is slated to be Seattle’s largest Passive House apartment project upon completion. Originally designed by NK Architects, the 66 unit urban infill apartment project is located in the heart of lower Queen Anne, one block from Key Arena.

Cascade Built was selected to build the project for its proven experience with similar in size and scale high performance, Passive House projects, including Pax Futura and Solis. To meet the rigorous standards of Passive House, the Cascade Built team implemented a series of design and building strategies and techniques to reduce the project’s energy consumption. An air-tight building envelope, exceptional thermal barriers including enhanced R values and wider exterior walls, under-slab air barrier and insulation, thermal bridging to prevent heat transfer, and upgraded triple-pane windows and doors create the building wrap needed to prevent energy loss.

To reduce solar heat gain, the building has custom sun shades for warmer months. A high performance HVAC system provides comfort and efficiency, while a Heat Recovery System brings continuous fresh, filtered air into the building. This design lowers total energy consumption up to 80-90% and provides a healthier quality of life to the residents through consistent fresh air.

Additionally, Ellie Passivhaus was 35% above the Priority Green requirement for Seattle’s permit process, nearly meeting the threshold for being entirely ‘Net-Zero Energy’. This reduces the cost of electricity for the building up to 50%.

A mix of studios, one-bedrooms and live/work units, residents also enjoy a courtyard patio and rooftop deck with dog run, patio, roof garden and kitchen, which includes gas BBQ pits and a fire pit. This project is in one of Seattle’s most desirable neighborhoods, within walking distance from the Space Needle, Seattle Center, Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden, and over a dozen nearby parks.