Cable Street: A Net-Zero Success Story in Bellingham, WA
A1DesignBuild is a designer and builder homes in Bellingham and Whatcom County, Washington. We specialize in everything from home remodels to complete high-performance home builds, and our over 70 years of providing excellent service to the community assures that your home project gets done right - each and every time. Read on to learn more.
Building a Net-Zero Dream Home in Bellingham, WA
When our client approached us, he wanted a legacy home: something intelligent, beautiful, and future-proof — a residence that would set a new standard for sustainable building in Whatcom County.
We took that vision and went one step further — designing a net-positive home that actually produces more energy than it consumes. Check out some photos here.
Smarter, Healthier, More Sustainable
From its thermal walls to its rainwater collection system, the Cable Street Project is a model of high-performance green design. Every element was chosen for longevity, health, and environmental impact.
Here are the five key innovations that make this house exceptionally efficient:
1. Fresh Air and Healthy Living
A Zehnder heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) provides continuous fresh, filtered air while exhausting stale indoor air — all without losing energy. The result:
Cleaner, healthier air
Lower heating and cooling bills
Consistent comfort year-round
2. 13-Inch Thermal Walls That Store Energy
The home’s reclaimed wood-chip and cement block walls are 13 inches thick and reinforced with rebar and concrete. This gives the structure incredible thermal mass, allowing it to hold heat in winter and stay cool in summer — reducing energy use dramatically.
3. Smart Core for Mechanical Flexibility
Behind the vaulted ceilings runs a central soffit core that houses plumbing, wiring, and HVAC. This thoughtful system allows future upgrades — supporting a lifetime of adaptability and efficiency.
4. Solar Power + Rainwater Harvesting
Two roof systems collect rainwater into cisterns for reuse in toilets, laundry, and garden irrigation. Combined with rooftop solar panels, the home achieves net-positive energy performance, generating more clean power than it uses annually.
5. Deep Window Wells and Natural Finishes
Triple-pane windows framed in deep clay-plastered wells create an old-world warmth while naturally cleaning indoor air. Inside, we used lime plaster, cork, linoleum, and paper stone — sustainable, non-toxic materials that make the home breathable and healthy.
Watch the film below, which goes into great detail about our process.
Designed for Generations
The Cable Street Project isn’t just a house — it’s a statement about what’s possible in sustainable architecture. Built to last, designed to inspire, and engineered to give back more than it takes.
At A1DesignBuild, we believe legacy means designing homes that will serve families, communities, and the planet for generations.
🌿 Learn More About Building Your Net-Zero Home
If you’re dreaming of a Passive House, net-zero home, or custom sustainable build in Whatcom County, we’d love to help.
👉 Contact A1DesignBuild to start your design consultation and discover what a smarter, healthier, more sustainable home could look like. Let's work together to build healthier homes for everyone.
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