December 1, 2008

Columbia Credit Union Washougal branch

Columbia Credit Union earlier this year finished its Washougal branch at 271 C St. in the Clark County town east of Camas.

The branch was designed to LEED silver specifications and is awaiting certification. Sustainability measures include rainwater cisterns for non-potable indoor plumbing and irrigation, a pyramid-shaped skylight for interior daylighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems and natural ventilation capabilities, pervious concrete for stormwater management, and FSC-certified wood floors and structural lumber.

Chain-of-custody forms were filled out for almost all construction materials to ensure they came from the proper location and were collected in a sustainable manner. Materials lists were reviewed to ensure supplies contained the right percentage of recycled content. Also, 75 percent of construction waste was sent to recyclers and the site was contained to protect drainage systems from soil runoff.

The Washougal branch is a prototype for future Columbia branches and remodels. In the long-run, each branch is expected to save up to 13,500 gallons of water and 50 percent in energy costs.

Owner: Columbia Credit Union, Vancouver

Architect and interior designer: EHS Design, Seattle

General contractor: Team Construction, Vancouver

LEED consultant: Paladino & Co., Seattle

Structural engineer: KPFF Consulting Engineers, Seattle

Mechanical and electrical engineer: Interface Engineering, Kirkland

Civil engineer: Hopper Dennis Jellison, Vancouver

Geotechnical consultant: GeoEngineers, Spokane

Landscape architect: Chris Freshley, Portland

Do you have photos of recent projects? Share them with DJC readers. Send high-resolution images and information to lisa.lannigan@djc.com.

Previous columns:

• Reed College, 11-24-2008
• Garage, 11-17-2008
• Tacoma General Hospital, 11-10-2008
• Tacoma Community College, 11-03-2008
• Normandy Park Towne Center, 10-27-2008
• Eastside Catholic School, 10-20-2008
• Seattle Central Community College, 10-13-2008
• Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, 10-06-2008