Glidehouse In The Pacific Northwest: An Innovative Single-Family Residence

The Glidehouse is a new housing concept that combines green living in collaboration with nature and modern, efficient modular building construction. "The Glidehouse was designed to be a modern, yet affordable and sustainable housing option," said Michelle Kaufmann, principal of Michelle Kaufman Designs, in San Francisco. "Building a Glidehouse results in very little waste, as it's assembled on-site from pre-fabricated modular components. It utilizes a variety of renewable and recyclable materials, such as bamboo flooring, a tankless water heater, and low-energy fluorescent lighting."

Located on Vashon Island, near Seattle, Washington, this show home is open to consumers, architects, and designers interested in learning more about the cost-effectiveness of modular housing and energy-efficient resources, including energy-efficient ranges, dishwashers, laundry and other appliances. The appliances are efficient and quiet. Highlights and features include:

• Freestanding convection range: The freestanding convection range is made of 100 percent recyclable materials. The oven controls include an easy-to-use system and a dial that controls up to nine cooking modes. A convection feature provides an additional heating element to ensure even cooking temperatures throughout the oven for faster and better cooking results.

• Dishwasher:The dishwasher demonstrates industry standards in quietness, energy, and water efficiency, includes concealed controls, and uses 3.1 gallons of water per cycle or less. Sensor technology monitors the soil level and adjusts the water level accordingly, saving water consumption, energy, and time.

• Laundry System:A high-efficiency clothes washer features a computer system that provides users with an easy way to get clothes clean while saving water, energy, and time. A compact washer-dryer system can be installed side-by-side or stacked to fit into a closet or other small space. The sensor system automatically determines the number of rinses, soak time, and spin speed for every fabric selection, ensuring precise results. This takes guesswork out of doing laundry, while also regulating energy and water use.

• Over-the-range microwave: For an integrated kitchen, a freestanding range can be paired with a built-in, over-the-range microwave oven. A 30-inch unit offers multiple cooking capabilities combined with a compact, efficient ventilation system. Features include sensor cooking with 10 power levels, a cooktop light, and controls. Ventilation features include a three-speed fan; replaceable, activated charcoal filter; and removable, re-usable mesh grease filter.

Bosch home appliances

Peter J. Arsenault, AIA, NCARB, LEED-AP is an architect and consultant focused on green building and sustainable community planning based near Syracuse, NY.