microhouse net-zero

Microhouse has begun work on a net-zero house design with Puget Sound Solar. We plan to unveil the new design in May. Join us as we work on a small house with a truly small footprint

ecohaus sustainable materials and finishes

Microhouse announces a partnership with ecohaus one of the top sources of sustainable building materials and green building information. Microhouse plans now feature a standard specification of ecohaus materials, including  flooring, cabinets, countertops, and paints and finishes.   Now you can bundle your favorite green products under one roof and receive a discount on design and materials.  This is a great option both for those who want an all inclusive design package and those who want to be able to pick and choose individual items. Contact us for more information about pricing and selection.


Congratulations on the opening of the new ecohaus retail outlet in San Francisco. Click here or more information  about ecohaus.

host a virtual cottage

microhouse is looking for sponsors to host a 3d model of one of our cottages on their lot to increase awareness about backyard cottages and promote our designs.  Virtual cottage participants will receive a $200 credit towards the design of a new cottage.

100 new urban gardens

In one day can Seattle build 10 Gardens? 100? 1000?. On Wednesday, January 6, a small group of people met at Solid Ground in Wallingford to discuss and begin organizing vision and action for Seattle’s First Annual city-wide food garden building event. Much excitement and vision were generated in the week following the meeting. The event is tentatively named “Spring into Bed” and this post is intended to introduce you to this effort and to elicit your ideas, thoughts and feelings on participating in such an event.

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Seattle's Year of Urban Agriculture
In February, Mayor Mike McGinn and Seattle City Councilmembers announced the "2010: The Year of Urban Agriculture" campaign to promote urban agriaculture efforts and increase community access to locally grown food.

2010: The Year of Urban Agriculture

Northwest Cities that allow backyard cottages (detached ADUs)

A number of northwest cities have modified their zoning ordinances to allow detached ADUs. They appeal to families because they provide opportunities to grow or to provide rental income. They appeal to cities because they provide additional housing options and increase density. For a brief overview of some of the ordinances in Washington State check out this link to the City of Lynnwood.

Backyard Cottage Map

The City of Seattle has recently expanded the existing backyard cottage ordinance. The new ordinance allows backyard cottages in all Seattle neighborhoods on single family zoned lots that are at least 4,000 square feet. There are other specific requirements; contact us to find out if a backyard cottage will work on your lot.

To learn more about your lot click on the following link.

Backyard Cottage Map

Enter your address in the upper left hand corner

Zoom in to your lot

Right click on your lot and click the green more link

On the upper left hand corner under under base zone it will say if a detached accessory dwelling unit is allowed. No? Don't despair, you have gained some valuable information. We can help you determine what options are available to you.


info@microhousenw.com

Google adds bicycle map function

The much anticipated Google bicycle mapping function has now arrived. By now everyone should know that bicycling is a great carbon free method of getting around. It has now gotten easier, well not really easier, but at least least there is one new application to encourage get people out of their cars. Check out a bike map of your commute today.  In the last year microhouse staff have completed 2,550 miles of carbon free commuting by walking or biking to work.

new google bicycle map read more