Horizon House Seeks Gold LEED Certification for Newest Construction

The Horizon House campus in Seattle is expanding with the addition of its new West Tower, providing 202 new independent living residences. Breaking ground in 2026, with completion slated for 2029, the West Tower will offer the best in contemporary senior living design. As part of our community’s commitment to the environment, the West Tower will also incorporate the highest energy efficiency standards for ongoing sustainability.

In developing the West Tower, Horizon House has partnered with Mithun, leaders in sustainable building design. The American Institute of Architects recognized Mithun with the 2023 Architecture Firm Award for their exemplary work and adherence to exacting “green” standards. In building beautiful and energy-efficient buildings, Mithun’s R&D efforts have shown that a variety of energy-saving steps can reduce carbon emissions for structures of any size.

With Mithun’s guidance, Horizon House is pursuing Gold Certification, the highest of four levels, from LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the most popular green building rating system in the world. Green buildings are those constructed to be healthy, energy-efficient, and cost effective. To obtain LEED Gold Certification, Green Business Certification, Inc. performs evaluations before, during, and after construction using a rigorous point scale. 

Among the key elements contributing to the highest of green-building certification are: 

• Implementing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems
• Implementing water-efficient appliances
• Using LED lighting
• Utilizing natural light
• Providing access to indoor and outdoor gardens

Using energy-efficient appliances along with systems planned for the West Tower that don’t rely on fossil fuels, the carbon footprint is decreased and campus energy costs per square foot will be reduced. Mithun has also designed the West Tower with resident input every step of the way. The interior design of its apartments and public areas will feature open spaces, great views, and high-quality finishes. Connecting residents with the natural environment is a particular focus, accomplished with large windows throughout providing abundant light and access to indoor and outdoor gardens.