Rafn is currently providing construction management services for the construction of the 21 Acres Center building in Woodinville. Rafn has worked closely with 21 Acres to maximize the value of their funding and shepherd the vast array of specialty contractors towards an integrated delivery of the project.

The aim of 21 Acres and the building's mission is to demonstrate new energy and water conservation technology in commercial and residential buildings. The 21 Acres Center building will include retail space for the sale of local organic foods, a community kitchen, and classroom space available to the public. It is envisioned as a community venue for education on farming, sustainable living, and energy and water saving systems; tools that the community can use in their own homes to make a positive difference in the environment.

Features of the building include energy efficient lighting, geothermal energy systems, natural ventilation, and a substantial solar panel array. Construction of the building is being completed with only environmentally friendly and low-impact materials.

Energy Efficient

The building is designed to use less energy than Washington Energy Code requirements and will exceed LEED Platinum standards. Features include efficient lighting, a gearless traction elevator, composting toilets, and geothermal radiant floor heating to name a few.

Solar Panel System

Solar components include two rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar panel arrays. The building will generate approximately 9% of the facility's electric needs.

Living Roof

The building will be capped by living roofs to support the projects responsible stormwater management system. The living roofs will help mitigate the impact of construction on the surrounding land and reduce the buildings future water use by up to 25%. The Living Roofs will also provide an educational laboratory for the community to learn about the issues surrounding water reuse and conservation, and a portion of the roof will function as a culinary and medicinal herb garden.

Septic / Bio-Filter System

21 Acres will incorporate a Glendon © BioFilter system as opposed to a traditional septic system. The Glendon system acts as a living organism and consumes organic material contained in septic tank effluent while transforming sewage into clear, useful water. This innovative septic system is a product from Washington State.

The 21 Acres Center and its on-going programs are taking the lead in developing a local food economy that will be a model for communities throughout the country.