Peggy and Lyle have long been environmentally conscience, eco minded people. They first became aware of energy efficient homes during the energy crisis in the 1970s and have had aspirations of living in a net zero home (a home that produces the same amount of energy it uses) ever since.  Their dream came true in December of 2017. 

Through researching various companies they found the builder Urban Northwest Homes, an energy focused and green building company that was building a new development called Urban Red Barn, in Vancouver, Washington. A market expert in Net Zero Energy homes, Urban Northwest Homes were the perfect match for Peggy and Lyle. Their home has an advanced HVAC system with a duel fuel, electric heat pump and natural gas furnace.  It also has a heat recovery ventilator, which brings fresh, conditioned, dehumidified air into the home.  Urban Northwest Homes was able to meet the goals for the project: to create a one level home that is easy to maintain and repair, functional, healthy, efficient and of course, beautiful.

Peggy said she wanted to make sure her new home had soul. “I wanted it to be place where you can put your feet up and have a beer”.  In trying to find a way to add character and soul to new construction, she happened upon Salvage Works online and fell in love with the local and reclaimed heritage timber products and material available. 

Upon entering Peggy and Lyle’s home, you can feel the essence of this old growth, reclaimed material, from the custom built barn doors to the WOW wall cladding. Together they make a newly built home feel like it’s been lived in for generations. The flooring is a lovely, distressed acacia wood and beautiful light pours in through big windows facing towering trees. The Salvage Works custom built barn doors, which are seen just inside the entry door and lead to an office area, are made from reclaimed Douglas Fir. Salvage Works also built two large countertops above the Dreamline Cabinets, made by a local cabinet company, in both the office and great room. Salvage Works WOW wall cladding is installed around the island base in the kitchen.

Peggy and Lyle’s net zero energy dream home became a reality through the collaboration of local businesses providing sustainable alternatives while allowing the design to remain rustic with a modern and progressive style. Peggy and Lyle’s values, shared by Urban Northwest Homes and Salvage Works, of selecting sustainable, high quality and beautiful products is at the forefront of a new movement in design blossoming in the PNW. 

A warm thank you to Peggy and Lyle for allowing Salvage Works to be a part of your beautiful new home! 

To see more photos of this home, click here.