Traugott Terrace, the winner of the Multi-Family Construction category,
is in the running for LEED certification. Rafn Co. was the contractor.
Rafn Co.
Traugott Terrace
Owner: Archdiocesan Housing Authority
Architect: Architect: Environmental Works
Rafn Co. exceeded community expectations by pursuing LEED certification for this low-income apartment project in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood.
Traugott Terrace was financed through a combination of federal low-income housing tax credits, Washington State Housing Trust Fund monies and Seattle Office of Housing funding.
Providing 50 units of low-income housing for individuals recovering from homelessness and substance abuse, Traugott Terrace was built in two sections, one 3,077-square-foot footprint above the existing Matt Talbot Center and the other 3,200-square-foot space on its adjacent parking lot.
A challenge was welding the steel structure pedestal, which is the base for the second-story apartments, over wood frame. That hazardous procedure was complicated by limited fresh air for workers.
The project was designed to the standards of the Seattle City Light Built Smart program, and more sustainable strategies were developed when funds from the citys LEED Pilot Incentive Program became available.
Rafn used energy-saving strategies and value engineering to deliver a cost-effective, sustainable product that was completed with minimal disturbance to the surrounding urban community.
Sustainable elements include: building the units around an outdoor deck to maximize access to natural light and ventilation; upgrading to sustainable materials including switching from sheet vinyl flooring to linoleum tile; installing Euroline commercial-quality windows; and substituting a gearless traction elevator for a hydraulic variety; and choosing water-conserving plumbing fixtures such as low-flow faucets and showerheads and efficient front-loading washing machines.
The project team included: Swenson Say Faget, engineer; and ABC members Village Framers Corp., DeBolte Plumbing & Heating, Ralph’s Concrete Pumping, Commercial Welding & Fabrication, and Matheus Lumber Co.