Bullitt Center, Sustainable commercial building in Capitol Hill, Seattle, US.
The Bullitt Center is a six-story commercial building in Capitol Hill featuring large windows, operable skylights, and approximately 575 solar panels mounted on its roof. The structure uses an extensive geothermal well system for heating and cooling, integrating modern architecture with functional sustainability.
The building was designed by Miller Hull Partnership and opened on April 22, 2013, deliberately timed for Earth Day. This launch marked the beginning of a project intended to demonstrate that sustainable commercial buildings could be economically viable.
The building functions as a teaching model that shows visitors and occupants how commercial spaces can operate sustainably. This approach has influenced how people think about energy and waste in everyday workspaces.
The building produces approximately 30 percent more energy than it uses through its integrated systems, and much of the design is visible and transparent. Visitors can understand how the systems function since features like composting toilets and water collection are openly incorporated into the architecture.
The building features a six-story composting toilet system that processes organic waste on-site, eliminating the need for conventional sewage. The rainwater collection system transforms precipitation into drinking water, making the structure nearly independent from municipal water supplies.
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