The Mini-B is a factory built structure built in the State of Washington as a prototype small dwelling unit that conforms to City of Seattle requirements for a "Backyard Cottage" as Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) on a single family lot.
Mini-B is short for Mini-Bungalow, designed under the German Passive House standards which have the highest energy goals of reducing energy use in buildings by 90%
Joseph Giampietro, a certified passive-house consultant, oversaw the architectural design of the 300-square-foot home finished by over70 students from Seattle Central Community College's Wood Construction Center carpentry program.
The key to the Mini-Bs energy-efficiency is in its extremely tight thermal envelope and increased insulation. The walls are insulated with 9" of foam and super energy-efficient windows with an energy rating double that of windows within normal building-code requirements are part of the rigid Passive House Standards.
The Mini-B is open for tours January 15, 2011 through July 15 in the Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Center in Seattle Washington, 6532 Phinney Avenue North. At the end of the demonstration period the Mini-B will be sold, valued at $60,000-$80,000 and will need to be relocated to its own lot.
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