The City of Portland recently unveiled its new Water House, an innovative demonstration house for sustainable building practices. Through the contributions of 39 local businesses, government agencies, organizations and nonprofits, the 2,110-square-foot home showcases the best in green building practices and products. Open to the public through 2011, the house translates the concept of sustainable living and building into tangible features and benefits that visitors can see, touch and learn more about.
For Metro, the Water House project is an equally valuable resource that provides demonstration opportunities for consumers, builders, landscapers and local governments. Metro’s Nature in Neighborhoods program consulted with Water House contractors on low-impact development strategies and developed an initial concept drawing for the landscape plan. Metro also donated five custom colors of MetroPaint, its award-winning 100 percent recycled latex, for all interior and exterior painting.
Newly elected council member Councilor Shirley Craddick thanked the City of Portland for its vision, commitment to showcasing sustainable practices, and for providing educational opportunities about green features to residents. “I was particularly pleased to see that the Water House was in my district, helping support revitalization efforts in this charming older neighborhood and likely supporting neighborhood pride and increased home values", she said. "By adding new structures and innovative building techniques in our existing neighborhoods, we add to their appeal and assure they will remain vibrant for years to come. We are committed to making great places through more private-public partnerships like this."
Project partners including Earth Advantage, Energy Trust of Oregon, Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA) and Metro provided technical assistance, services and products throughout the project. Many HBA members also provided products or services, including Alan Mascord Design Associates, which designed the home, and Evolution Paving Resources which provide porous concrete for the driveway and walkway.
The Water House is open to the public for tours and workshops through 2011, after which it will go on the market for sale at market value. It is located at 1616 NE 140th Ave., just north of Halsey Ave, in Portland.