NEWCASTLE, WA - SolTerra begins construction this week for a new LEED Platinum-designed apartment building – Atlas in Newcastle, Washington. The company is a fast-growing design+build firm focused on reconnecting people with nature. SolTerra is creating some of the most sustainable, livable, and innovative mixed-use buildings in the Pacific Northwest.
“We are creating cost-effective living spaces for people and families who care about their impact on our planet,” says Brian Heather, co-founder of SolTerra. “Through our mixed-use projects, SolTerra is demonstrating that renewable energy and sustainable development are feasible and beneficial to individuals and society alike,” he added.
The Atlas mixed-use complex will include 98-units in a 6-story building with underground parking for residents, as well as patrons of the Newcastle Library next door. It also includes two-thousand square feet for ground-floor retail space.
The project will feature lush green living walls, eco-roofs, a large storm water retention facility, roof top solar, and private and public roof terraces. Each SolTerra design incorporates a unique feature. Atlas includes a wall of built-in bookshelves in every apartment, and a large outdoor courtyard accessible to all residents on the second floor.
“This new SolTerra project provides a beautiful, sustainable living space for our community,” says Steve Buri, Mayor of Newcastle. “The LEED design also raises the bar for what we might expect from future city development projects.”
Atlas design elements focus on sustainability. For example, anticipated energy use will be 30% less than typical new buildings built according to Washington Code; 9,100 square feet of vegetated, eco-roof will insulate the roof and help manage storm water; a 400-square foot living wall will absorb carbon emissions and help cool the building; and drought tolerant landscaping and a high-efficiency irrigation system will reduce water demand for irrigation by 71%.
SolTerra has several projects underway in the Pacific Northwest. The Atlas project in Newcastle is expected to be completed by Summer 2016.