July 12, 2017

Pax Futura will bring 35 super-green apartments to site in Columbia City

Rendering from NK Architects [enlarge]

The units are expected to use 90 percent less energy for heating and cooling than average building stock.

Cascade Built broke ground last month on Pax Futura, a 35-unit apartment building in Columbia City that is targeting Passive House certification.

The developer said it received a $55,788 Edwards Mother Earth Foundation Grant to support its ultra-high-performance goals for constructing the four-story building at 3700 S. Hudson St.

The project is expected to be complete in fall 2018.

Pax Futura will have 32 studio and one-bedroom units, along with three live/work units. There will be a courtyard and 1,050 square feet of retail space, but no parking.

NK Architects designed the project.

The units will have continuous, filtered fresh air that NK said will be healthier and more comfortable for residents, and dramatically reduce energy use. The units are expected to use 90 percent less energy for heating and cooling than average building stock.

In a press release, Cascade Built said it will use durable materials and construction techniques. The Built Smart project will focus on resource conservation, efficient mechanical systems, superior insulation and no-VOC finishes. Natural bioretention planters will help manage stormwater on-site.

Pax Futura will be near the business district, and within walking distance of the Link Light Rail station.

Cascade Built said it chose the name Pax Futura to reflect its belief that a peaceful future can be achieved through innovative design that saves energy and resources. Pax means “peace” in Latin and futura is a typographical font that was created in 1927 to express efficiency and modernity. Pax also is the name of Sloan Ritchie's son. Ritchie founded Cascade Built.

The goal of the Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's Green Building Program is to accelerate the transition to ultra-efficient and zero-net-energy buildings by helping to fund innovative projects in the Pacific Northwest and Southwest.

Cascade Built is the general contractor on Pax Futura. The team also includes Staengl Engineering (mechanical engineer), Geo Group Northwest (geotechnical), Evergreen Certified and Passive House Institute US (energy raters), True Scape Design (landscape design), Mandy Callaway Interiors (interior design) and Sound Community Bank (financing).

During construction, there will be hard-hat tours and neighborhood events, and the team will post weekly updates on Facebook Live.

To learn more, visit www.cascadebuilt.com.

The construction site previously housed a duplex.