City Cabins at Little City Farms

A “smart” building envelope is crucial for a home’s long-term health. Every layer, from the exterior siding to the interior sheetrock, plays a vital role in the overall effectiveness of the envelope. In the core of our system is Rockwool insulation, made from spun basalt rock and recycled steel slag it has a lower overall carbon footprint than fiberglass and excels in heat retention, moisture control, mold and fire resistance, and soundproofing. 

All walls are air-sealed and fitted with vapor permeable smart membranes on both the interior and exterior to enhance energy performance while also allowing moisture to escape rather than get trapped. The exterior is clad in fiber cement board, a highly durable material with a lifespan over 40 years, minimizing maintenance and replacements.

Andersen’s 100 Series windows are made from Fibrex, a composite material that blends reclaimed wood waste from other window styles with polymers making Fibrex twice as strong as and more resistant to UV damage as vinyl, as well as superior in heat retention, moisture resistance, fire resistance, and soundproofing.

Air-source heat pump technology is one of the most efficient methods to heat water. These Energy Star certified hot water heaters are considered a “hybrid” solution – as they are wifi-enabled with 5 operation modes — from the most energy efficient heat-pump only mode to standard electric resistant — to allow easy adjustments for the varying demands of home. Also provides audio and wifi alerts for leak detection or service needs.Every layer, from the exterior siding to the interior sheetrock, plays a vital role in the overall effectiveness of the envelope. In the core of our system is Rockwool insulation, made from spun basalt rock and recycled steel slag it has a lower overall carbon footprint than fiberglass and excels in heat retention, moisture control, mold and fire resistance, and soundproofing. 

Air-source heat pumps harness heat from the outside air and transfer it indoors, operating up to 3 to 5 times more efficiently than traditional fuel-based systems. By moving heat rather than generating it, heat pumps can maintain optimal indoor temperatures, as all air—whether hot or cold— contains heat. Powered entirely by electricity, heat pumps are an excellent energy source to pair with solar power, making them a sustainable choice for heating and cooling.

A Broan Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) is an energy-efficient air exchange system that transfers heat from outgoing air to incoming fresh air, reducing heating and cooling load. It’s Energy Star certified and boasts high efficiency, with some models reaching 80%. Additionally, Broan HRVs offer MERV 13 filtration, providing improved air quality by filtering out dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.

The 8625 unit is heated by an electric infrared coil, these units radiate energy down — heating the people and objects in the room directly. Spaces warm up faster & stay warm longer with/ very little electricity. Zero duct work or maintenance needed. Dist. by MightyEnergy.net.

Ventless inverter washer and dryers wash and dry clothes in a single machine without needing exterior exhaust venting. They utilize energy-efficient inverter heat pumps, operate on standard 120V outlets, and require only a cold water hookup and a drain.

• Kitchen backsplash tile contains ≥40% pre-consumer recycled content
• Stain- and Heat-resistant quartz countertops
• Stainless steel shower niche shelves to mitigate edge chipping and staining
• Tiled shower surrounds
• Locally-produced Canyon Creek cabinetry

• Marmoleum (natural linoleum with jute backing) laundry floor
• Välinge hardened white oak flooring
• Tiled bathroom floors

• Lots of natural light and supplemental 2700k LED lighting
• Solatube Daylighting Systems
• Wood window trim and doors provide a long-term carbon sink
• Paints w/out Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Pacific Northwest (PNW) native plants that are hardy, climate-adapted species that thrive in the region's wet winters and dry summers. They require less water and maintenance while supporting local pollinators.

Pervious pavers are specially designed bricks, stones, or grid systems that allow rainwater to soak through the surface and into the ground below.

We used rain gardens and bioswales to naturally manage stormwater runoff, helping filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and return cleaner water back into the environment while supporting native landscaping and habitat.