Bellingham Herald Recognizes Aiki Homes' Achievement in Green Building
Each week The Bellingham Herald takes a closer look at a business or construction project. This week: Aiki Homes.
What it is: Aiki Homes, which has been building green homes in Bellingham since 1992, builds all of its homes through the Built Green program of Whatcom County and the Energy Star program.
LEED Platinum: In December 2010 an Aiki home on 17th Street near Fairhaven was awarded LEED Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for achievement in green homebuilding and design. The certification is awarded to homes that are designed and built to be energy- and resource-efficient as well as healthier and durable for the occupants, according to Hannah White, who is in charge of marketing and business development at Aiki.
The 17th Street home was built on a south facing lot and has a roof pitch "designed for maximum active solar potential," White said. Green building materials were used throughout the home; bamboo was used for flooring, and Marmoleum - which is made of recycled and natural materials - was installed in bathrooms and the utility room. The house also has a permitted rainwater reuse system - according to White, this is the first system of its kind installed in the area.
What's new: Aiki Homes is currently building a co-housing community in Happy Valley on Mill Avenue. The community includes eight homes, at least one of which is in line to be a certified LEED home. All of the homes are expected to achieve an Energy Star award and be certified Built Green, White said. This project will also include a community garden, an on-site restored wetland and low-impact development. The homes will be smaller than average, and will have shared amenities in a common house which will include a kitchen, library and study room, guest quarters and meeting space. The community is also planning a group