Rafn Co.
Denny Park Apartments
Architect: Runberg Architecture Group
Owner: Low Income Housing Institute
ABC members: Commercial Welding & Fabrication, Coast Crane Co., Custom Sprinkler Corp., Evergreen Concrete Cutting, JD Plumbing & Fire Protection, Ketchikan Drywall Services, MT Electric
Denny Park Apartments is a 50-unit, low-income project in the South Lake Union neighborhood. It was designed and constructed to green building standards and includes ground floor commercial space and parking.
Denny Park has features and systems not typically seen in low-income housing — such as a metal roof, 50-year exterior siding and a hydronic heating system.
Some of the building’s green features include the collection and conservation of storm water to irrigate landscaping, and positioning of the building to maximize daylight and reduce dependence on artificial lighting and electricity.
Also, all lighting in common areas, such as hallways, is linked to sensors that ensure lights are only in use when people are present.
Built Green standards were followed during construction, including using alternative fuels, recycling over 90 percent of the construction debris, and returning or stockpiling excess materials. By doing this, Rafn reduced the waste stream from the project and allowed the products to be used in the future by others.
A challenge during construction was high-voltage power lines in close proximity to the site. The project’s shoring required the use of a tall crane and large steel piles that would come dangerously close to the power lines. Rafn, the engineers, and the shoring subcontractor worked together to develop an alternative shoring design that allowed workers to safely start shoring without delays as they waited for the power lines to be moved.
There were no recordable accidents on this project.